GREENVILLE, NC (WITN) – Vidant Health tightens restrictions for visitors due to increased distribution of COVID-19.
The hospital system says that the positivity rates for those tested have gradually increased since Thanksgiving, and it is now around 22%.
Vidant Roanoke-Chowan bans visitors in both the emergency department and inpatient units, while Outer Banks Hospital will begin it on Monday.
Other Vidant hospitals have the following restrictions from Monday at 05:00:
| Department | Hours | Visitor details |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital inpatient wards, Including surgical inpatients |
17:00 to 21:00 | One (1) healthy adult visitor who has been screened and masked at all times may only visit between 17:00 and 21:00. Visitor must stay in the patient’s room unless he visits the cafe. Visitors may not leave and re-enter, or leave with another visitor during a day visit. |
| Children’s Hospital | Open hours | Maynard Children’s Hospital and pediatric patients at all inpatient Vidant facilities welcome two (2) guardians of the child at the bedside. Two (2) designated guardians are identified during the admission by the legal guardian of the child and can remain at the bedside during the entire child’s stay. Sibling visits are not currently allowed; the health care team will work with families to facilitate virtual sibling visits, as appropriate. For pediatric palliative or end-of-life care, additional visits will be considered with the approval of the leadership based on the needs of the child. |
| Labor and delivery / maternity | Open hours | One (1) healthy designated partner is selected and masked at all times. The partner must stay in bed unless he visits the cafe. |
| Outpatient surgical procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia | Day of procedure | One (1) healthy adult visitor who has been screened and masked at all times may wait with the patient until the patient continues with the surgery or procedure. Visitor can return during discharge. |
| Exceptions | Hours | Visitor details |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency departments | No visitors allowed | No visitors allowed. Patients who are minors, or who fall under ADA guidelines, or who need a visitor for clinical care or safety, may have one (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times. Visitors may not eliminate with another visitor during the hours of visitation. |
| Medical practices and Outpatient clinics |
No visitors allowed | No visitors allowed. Patients who are minors, or who fall under ADA guidelines, or who need a visitor for clinical care or safety, may have one (1) healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times. Visitors may not eliminate with another visitor during the hours of visitation. |
| End of life | Open Hours | Family members who have been screened and masked can visit under the guidance of the care team and should call the unit for guidance. |
| Behavioral health | No visitors allowed | No visitors allowed. Ask behavioral unit nurse for accommodation regarding virtual visits. |
| COVID-19 Positive Patients | No visitors allowed | No visitors allowed. Ask a nurse for accommodation regarding virtual visits. |
Vidant says that all visitors will have to undergo a selection process and must meet requirements such as wearing a mask, entering handwashing and maintaining social distance.
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