In this section:
COVID-19 update: Friday, 26 February 2021
As we now transition to COVID-normal, we’re able to extend visiting hours at our hospitals from Saturday, 27 February 2021. While we do need to follow physical distancing rules in patient rooms and other confined spaces, we welcome you to visit your loved ones between these hours:
Site | Visiting hours: effective Saturday, 27 February 2021 |
Epworth Eastern |
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Epworth Freemasons |
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Epworth Geelong |
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Epworth Rehabilitation and Mental Health |
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Epworth Richmond |
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Anyone with symptoms (eg sore throat, cough, fever), close contacts of COVID-19 cases and returned internal travellers are excluded from visiting.
COVID-safe practices still apply: please wear an Epworth-supplied mask inside our hospitals and practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene.
COVID-19- Permit zones
The Victorian government has introduced a permit system for anyone re-entering Victoria. Epworth patients and visitors will need to adhere to the ruling of the zone from where they have travelled. The requirements fall under three zones:
- Red zone: those who have travelled to a designated red zone are not permitted to enter Victoria without an exemption, permitted worker permit or exception.
- Orange zone: anyone who has been in an orange zone must self-isolate, get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. Patients must receive a negative result prior to admission.
- Green zone: no requirements, other than monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately, if symptoms appear.
The map showing Australia’s different zones can be found here
As a precaution, anyone who has visited a red zone or high risk exposure site in Australia, should get tested and receive a negative result before entering our hospitals.
For the latest case locations and outbreaks, please visit the DHHS website
Wearing masks
- Anyone entering our sites will need to wear a mask upon arrival and register their attendance.
- Patients who are already in our hospitals will wear masks, based on clinical circumstances.
- Patients and visitors must change into a hospital provided mask when entering the hospital.
To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe, regularly wash your hands, keep at least 1.5 metres from other people, and stay home if you feel unwell.
See our guide to putting on and removing a surgical mask - How to wear your surgical mask (PDF, 2MB)
Reduce your risk of coronavirus with masks (PDF, 98KB)
If you have any symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulties or wheezing or any other signs of respiratory infection, however mild, seek advice and get tested.
Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions (PDF, 608KB)
For more information about COVID-19 go to the Victorian Department of Health.