The health service is tightening its restrictions to protect its most vulnerable patients in what it says is a rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.

BHS made the announcement via its social media channels on Monday night with visitors also barred from the Queen Elizabeth Centre, Base Hospital and mental health services, excepting special circumstances.

Pre-approved exceptions remain in place for caring for children, palliative care, and support persons for pregnant women and people with a disability.

BHS acute operations director Ben Kelly said the health service had maintained a conservative approach to securing its facilities through the pandemic.

Mr Kelly said while there were no active COVID-19 cases in the City of Ballarat, there were significant enough case numbers in Melbourne to warrant extra precautions.

This will include anyone attending BHS Base Hospital or Queen Elizabeth Centre to now wear a mask.

"It's a good thing Ballarat is not in stage three restrictions at the moment but just because we're not, doesn't mean we should not be careful," Mr Kelly said.

"These are prudent things to do at the moment."

Visitor restrictions have been in place across BHS facilities since early in the pandemic, only easing in line with initial government lockdowns across the state.

Ballarat has been without an active COVID-19 case since mid-May despite soaring numbers in metropolitan Melbourne.

Fresh cases have been leaking into regional Victoria this week, including Geelong (five), Bendigo (four), Moorabool (two) and Warrnambool (one) as of Monday.

In April, international data showed 30 per cent of aged care residents appeared to show no symptoms when positive with COVID-19, according to BHS, and 52 per cent of reported deaths had been elderly people living in residential care or assisted home living.

BHS aged care residences include: Talbot Place, Eureka Village Hostel, Geoffrey Cutter Centre, Hailey House, Jack Lonsdale Lodge, James Thomas Court, WB Messer Hostel, PS Hobson Nursing Home and Bill Crawford Lodge.

BHS is urging concerned families to speak to their family member's nursing staff for further advice.

The Courier has contacted BHS for further comment.

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