In the wake of all Tasmanian hospitals operating at level three of their COVID-19 Management Escalation Plans, the Department of Health has encouraged the public to conduct "virtual" visits to patients.
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Acting state health commander Dale Webster said the recommendations were necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community and hospitals.
"To assist us, we are asking families and loved ones of patients who are at our hospitals to consider the option to keep in contact with them remotely, using phone, FaceTime or Teams, if available, and to avoid a physical visit to the hospital where possible.
"The hospitals have made changes to their visitor policies, limiting the number and time of visits unless there are compassionate grounds.
"It will help the hospitals in dealing with COVID-19 if the number of visitors in the hospital is reduced even further by people considering virtual visits.
"This request for assistance has been made due to the current level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, with the safety of patients and staff the highest priority."
However, Mr Webster said in-person visits were allowed, albeit with restrictions.
"Visits are limited to one visitor per patient, between the hours of 2pm and 6pm, for a maximum of 30 minutes at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital and 60 minutes at the North West Regional Hospital between 2.30pm and 6pm and 60 minutes at the Mersey Community Hospital between 2pm and 6pm.
"Face masks must be worn in all facilities.
"Exemptions beyond these visiting restrictions, including for compassionate reasons, are at the discretion of the nurse-in-charge of the ward."
Mr Webster also reiterated that people should not go to the hospital unless necessary.
"We would like to again remind people that if they have conditions that are not an emergency or do not require a hospital admission, they should think about the right service for their needs and reconsider attending hospital Emergency Departments.
"We encourage anyone who requires medical assistance that is not urgent or life-threatening, to visit their pharmacy for minor ailments, explore booking an appointment with a local GP, or to call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 for free, trusted health information.
"Health Direct is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"Some GPs and pharmacies are also available after-hours.
"We thank patients and their families and loved ones for their understanding during this time."