Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, has amended the public order that prevented the state’s aged care residents from leaving their homes except for medical appointments, emergencies or end-of-life care to also allow them to attend funeral services.
Residents and families will also be entitled to apply to Dr Young for an exemption to the directive, which would allow them to leave on other compassionate grounds.
Queensland Health says they aware the restrictions are impacting on residents and family members, but a spokesperson said they were in their best interest.
“The direction limiting visits [to two hours] at aged care facilities is particularly important, as elderly people are among the most vulnerable to this disease,” their spokesperson said.
“As seen in jurisdictions interstate and overseas, COVID-19 can have a devastating impact on residents and staff of aged care facilities.”
32 aged care residents and home care recipients have now died from the virus in Australia – 31% of the country’s 102 deaths.
