Bupa has responded to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Victoria by asking people in high-risk areas not to visit its aged care homes pending further advice.
The high-risk 'hotspots' include the Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Hume, and Moreland local council areas across Melbourne.
"We are asking anyone who lives or works in these areas to limit or stop visits to our care homes for the time being, if possible," said Bupa in a statement.
The company also announced it was reducing visiting hours at its aged care homes in the Melbourne metro area. Visits will be limited to one visitor per day, for 30 minutes, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm daily.
The care homes are located in Berwick, Bonbeach, Edithvale, Caulfield, Clayton, Croydon, Donvale, Templestowe, Windsor, Coburg, Greensborough, South Morang, Thomastown and Sunshine.
The existing health and safety precautions are in place – a health declaration, temperature checks, hand washing on entry, confirming flu vaccination status, social distancing and wearing a mask while in the home.