NCH to allow visitors at hospitals starting Sept 15

NCH Healthcare System announced Friday it will start to allow patient visitors again Tuesday, Sept. 15. after restrictions were put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the press release, NCH feels confident about its current understanding of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of mask-wearing. It has reviewed protocols and determined that it can safely lift visitor restrictions and allow adult visitation to patients within its hospitals once again on a limited basis from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. effective Tuesday.

Per the NCH policy, guests to the hospital must be visiting a loved one already admitted or be a caregiver escorting a patient seeking care at either the NCH Baker or North Naples hospitals. Only immediate household members will be permitted for visitation. Visitors should be in good health and symptom-free of any illness, and a screening process to include a good-health attestation and temperature check will be required upon entry.

NCH asks guests to refrain from visiting if they are ill, have a fever or have been exposed to COVID-19.

All visitors are required to wear face masks at all times while visiting NCH facilities and must follow physical distancing practices. Ventilated masks are not allowed.

With the exception of its pediatric department and compassionate care circumstances, one visitor will be allowed per patient and will be restricted to the patient room and hospital lobby. Visitors under the age of 12 will not be permitted.

To eliminate the risk of disease transmission, no visitation will be allowed for COVID-19 patients except under compassionate care circumstances.

For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.