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
  • 10am- 8pm
 Epworth Freemasons
  • 10am-7pm
  • Maternity: 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm
 Epworth Geelong
  • 10am-8pm
  • Maternity: 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm
 Epworth Rehabilitation and Mental Health
  • 3pm–7pm
  • Weekends and public holidays: 10am-7pm
 Epworth Richmond
  • 10am-7pm

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.

In this section: