Canberrans are being urged adhere to COVID-19 restrictions over the Father’s Day weekend but may be able to visit relatives in aged care facilities for the occasion, the ACT Chief Health Officer said today.
Kerryn Coleman said today the “pandemic should not stop people sharing the day with their fathers”, and said people may be able to visit their fathers and grandfathers in aged care facilities and even take them out for “excursions”.
“Many residential aged care facilities allow residents to attend small family gatherings if those gatherings are in line with limits on gathering sizes and where everyone practises social distancing and maintains hand and respiratory hygiene,” she said.
“Please check with the residential aged care facility to discuss what visiting and excursion arrangements are allowed.”
ACT Policing earlier this week suggested people consider ‘contactless ways’ to celebrate Father’s Day with elderly relatives.
“Celebrating family is important but please remember the risks close gatherings can pose for certain members of the ACT community, so consider what health precautions you can take when you visit,” Detective Superintendent Mick Calatzis from the COVID-19 Taskforce said on Monday.
Dr Coleman also reminded Canberrans the elderly are vulnerable to illness: “please don’t visit if you are feeling unwell and practise good hand and respiratory hygiene”, she said.
“If you go out, make sure your family group keeps at least 1.5 metres away from other groups to reduce the chance of people who don’t know each other mingling.”
Canberrans are also strongly advised not to travel to Greater Sydney, and Dr Coleman said those travelling to NSW for Father’s Day should check the NSW Health website for updates.
The ACT has once again reported no new cases today (3 September), with more than 80,500 negative tests now recorded.
For more information, visit the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website.
