An aged care facility has been in lockdown in Canberra for two weeks because of a gastroenteritis outbreak.
ACT Health confirmed several residents tested positive for norovirus at the Goodwin Village David Harper House in Monash.
Norovirus generally causes vomiting and diarrhoea lasting one to two days and is highly infectious.
In elderly people the illness can be life threatening.
Goodwin released a statement which said infection control measures were introduced at the site to halt the spread of disease, including limited visitor access.
“The health and safety of our residents is our highest priority and we are working in partnership with ACT Health during this time, and according to legislative requirements,” it said.
“This includes restriction of access during a highly contagious outbreak for the safety of residents.
“Goodwin respects the rights of family and residents to visit during these times, while avoiding health risks, and have put strategies in place to assist families to maintain contact.”
The measures include increased hand washing, isolating residents who are unwell, restricting contact between affected and unaffected residents, and more frequent environmental cleaning.