Morris Hospital updates visitor policy due to rising COVID cases

Effective Thursday, patients hospitalized at Morris Hospital, including patients in the family birthing suites are allowed just one visitor at a time, according to a news release from Morris Hospital.

The news visitor guidelines are in response to the rising COVID cases in the community, the release said.

All visitors must be at least 18 years old, the release said. Patients with COVID-19 still may not have visitors, the release said.

However, people can request special arrangements for the following COVID patients: patients who are 17 or younger, patients at the end of life, or patients who are “intellectually and/or developmentally disabled or diagnosed with an impairment that affects understanding, judgment, or decision-making,” the release said.

One support person aged 18 and older may still accompany patients to the emergency department; for outpatient procedure, test, surgery or therapy session; to immediate care or convenient care; and to doctor visits, the release said.

The hospital will issue a badge to all visitors when they enter the hospital, the release said. If a second visitor for the same person arrives when the badge is checked out, the second visitor will be asked to return at another time, the release said.

Facemasks covering the nose and mouth are required at every Morris Hospital facility, per Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the release said.

All visitors will receive a temperature check, be screened for symptoms, and asked to apply hand sanitizer. Visits will not be allowed for anyone who screens positive or refuses to comply, the release said.

For more information, visit morrishospital.org.