Greene County Medical Center first put visitor restriction in place for the long term care unit March 6, and placed restrictions on visitors throughout the building March 13.
Effective Tuesday, March 24, further restrictions are in place. Visitors are not allowed unless he or she is a designated caregiver AND the patient falls into one of four of the following categories:
• The patient is imminently dying.
The following are limited to one visitor:
• The patient is an infant or small child. In this case, only one designated parent/caregiver may be present in the room to support care of the patient.
• The patient is suffering from confusion or delirium. In this case, one designated caregiver may be present to support the care of the patient.
• The patient is in active labor. In this case, only one designated caregiver/support person may be in the room to support the patient in labor.
Designated caregivers must be free of any signs of illness. Individuals at high risk for severe disease (e.g., underlying cardiopulmonary disease, poorly controlled diabetes) should not visit.
Designated caregivers:
• 18 years of age or older
• Siblings not allowed
• Always remain in patient room as appropriate
• Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas
• Free from illness such as fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or runny nose.
Designated caregivers are required to wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting the patient’s room. Team members will provide instructions if additional PPE is required.
“We understand these visitor restrictions may be difficult for you. While we are committed to providing a family-centered environment, right now restricting visitors is in the best interest of our patients and staff,” a medical center spokesperson said.
