Strict visiting limitations and rigorous entry procedures are the new normal at regional hospitals as health services clamp down on a potential coronavirus outbreak.
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Hospitals in Horsham, Nhill and Ararat are imposing no-nonsense policies on visitors to ensure the region remains COVID-19 free.
Wimmera Health Care Group infection control coordinator Rachel Baker said the new measures are in force to keep everyone safe.
"We have a strict one nominated visitor per patient rule," she said.
"Before COVID-19 is was an open house.
"With that rule we still have about 290 people through the door each day to visit patients - that's a lot of people to coordinate.
"To put it simply, we have limited space in the hospital; once you factor in the doctors, nurses, administration, maintenance and cleaning staff, we can't safely fit in anyone else.
Ms Baker said this policy is reviewed every fortnight.
In Nhill, the West Wimmera Health Service enforces a booking policy for all visitors.
"...All visitors must book with the facility (acute and aged care) they wish to visit, for 30 minute periods." Clinical Operations Manager Ann Merrett said.
"We currently are allowing each patient or resident up to two visitors at a time, per day.
"(But) we have exemptions in place for palliative patients and residents."
Similarly, East Grampians Health Services have implemented new structures to suit COVID-19 restrictions.
Chief executive Andrew Freeman said while the organisation had always had excellent infection control and hand hygiene practices, COVID-19 has reinforced that good infection control and hand hygiene must be followed at all times.
"We currently conduct temperature checks and screening of anyone who enters the health service including staff, volunteers, patients and visitors," he said.
"There has been an increase in the amount of our daily cleaning across the health service and this will continue into the future.
"Social distancing is reinforced and the number of people allowed in rooms across the health service is limited."