AGED care facilities in Beaudesert, Logan and the Redlands are again operating under robust restrictions as Queensland Health decrees risk minimisation strategies after a spike in community acquired COVID-19 cases.
Whiddon Beaudesert Star provided no-risk visitation for residents to connect with loved ones.
Tamborine Mountain woman Rhonda Collins was allowed 20 minutes on Sunday to see her 100-year-old mother Linda Hovey through the glass of the aged care facility.
Ms Collins said the visits were under appointment, with staff accompanying residents to a pre-arranged window so they could see their loved ones without risking their health.
"I call mum every morning and every night but this is a wonderful opportunity to see mum face to face and know she is doing okay," she said.
"Not all aged care homes are doing this, so I'm really grateful it's happening here."
Mrs Hovey, with the help of nursing staff and a mobile phone, was excited to see her daughter.
"We're so happy they're doing the right thing," she said.
"We just have to be patient, that's all we can do."
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said following the cluster of COVID-19 cases in Brisbane's south, it was important to protect the community's most vulnerable.
"COVID-19 is a serious illness for all age groups, however we do know the risks tends to increase among the elderly, particularly those with other serious health conditions," she said.
"These restrictions are an important step in helping Queensland respond effectively to this recent outbreak. We are focused on making these changes early on in our response and across a broad geographical area.
"I want to be very clear - these restrictions on aged care facilities are the most effective way of protecting Queensland's most vulnerable people.
"Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles said the restrictions were in response to outbreaks in aged care facilities in Victoria.
"Currently there are more than 1000 active cases relating to outbreaks at aged care facilities in Victoria," he said.
"This is a desperately sad situation, and one in which we must do everything in our power to stop from happening here in Queensland."
This is the best way we can protect the lives of Queenslanders, including those who are most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19."
The restrictions on facilities under the Aged Care Direction (No. 8) include:
Visitors:
- No personal visitors (including care and support visitors).
- End of life visits will still be allowed.
- Anyone entering a facility must wear a single use surgical face mask.
Residents:
- Cannot leave the residential aged care facility unless they are receiving health care, attending a funeral or for an emergency or for compassionate reasons.
- The residential aged care facility or the Chief Health Officer can provide an exemption for leave for compassionate reasons.
Staff:
- Residential aged care facility operators must limit staff movements across multiple facilities as much as possible.
