A number of aged-care facilities in New South Wales have banned visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic, going against Federal Government guidelines.

Key points: There are fears a ban on visitors at aged-care centre will make residents more vulnerable

There are fears a ban on visitors at aged-care centre will make residents more vulnerable Deborah Vine Hall can only spend 30 minutes a day with her 99-year-old mother

Deborah Vine Hall can only spend 30 minutes a day with her 99-year-old mother Visits are still allowed for families with relatives in palliative care

The complete ban has been welcomed by some, but also raised fears that elderly residents may become more vulnerable due to social isolation.

Catholic Healthcare, Hall and Prior and St Basil's have banned visitors and are instead facilitating video calls.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced aged-care residents would only be allowed to receive one visit a day, of no more than two people.

School groups are not allowed to visit at all.

Coronavirus has the highest fatality rate among those aged 80 and over according to the World Health Organisation.

Two residents at a Macquarie Park aged-care home died this month after contracting coronavirus.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation assistant federal secretary Lori-Anne Sharp believes banning visitors may prevent more deaths.

Catholic Healthcare has banned visitors to their aged-care facilities. ( ABC News )

"We do commend those nursing homes who have taken those actions because these are extraordinary times and we need to make sure that we protect those vulnerable residents in nursing homes at this time," she said.

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But Council of Ageing chief executive Ian Yates does not agree with the lockdown.

He believes it will have adverse effects on the wellbeing of residents who rely on visits from their family and friends.

"We are hearing stories of complete lockouts of families without notice and that is not acceptable, it's not respectful," he said.

Deborah Vine Hall is allowed to visit her 99-year-old mother at a Sydney Bupa aged-care home, but strict rules are in place.

She is only able to spend a maximum of 30 minutes with her mother per day and must wear a mask and gloves.

But she thinks the measures, which still go above the Government's recommendations, could be the difference between life and death.

"I'm very happy that they're taking these precautions and protecting everyone," she said.

"You have to speak a lot louder through the mask but I think she was really happy to see me so I was glad to be there."

Most facilities are allowing visits on compassionate grounds for families with relatives in palliative care but strict hygiene protocols are being enforced.