COVID-19 Latest: Visitors banned from maternity wards at local hospitals from today.

Tough new restrictions are now in place at a number of Sydney Hospitals to minimise the risk of Coronavirus transmission.

The cautionary measures apply to all wards, including maternity, and limit visitors to one person at a time, who must be a partner, carer, guardian or nominated significant other.

Early discharge will also be considered for new mothers post-delivery, in line with medical advice.

The Mater Hospital at North Sydney yesterday told patients that while partners are welcome, other family members and friends are not permitted to visit.

In an Instagram post, the maternity facility said it had increased precautionary measures to “minimise the risk of COVID-19” to new mums and their babies, and has also cancelled maternity tours until further notice.

It comes after the Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga also restricted visitor access.

Partners of new mothers will be the only visitors allowed into the maternity ward as the hospital takes measures to protect babies from contracting the disease.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has asked people to adopt a “commonsense approach”, urging anyone who is feeling unwell not to visit loved ones in hospital.

“If you have any symptoms of an illness, albeit incredibly mild please, defer visits,” Dr Chant said.