COVID-19 Spikes Force Stricter DCH Visitation Policies

DCH Health System announced that it is changing its visitation policies due to the recent COVID-19 spike.

According to a Wednesday press release, starting Dec. 10, visitation hours will be limited from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. No new visitors will be allowed into the facility in the off hours unless for "extenuating circumstances such as end-of-life events."

"Due to the current high numbers of COVID-19 positive inpatients, DCH is revising its visitation policy to allow only one visitor per day (visitors can no longer rotate throughout the day) in most areas," the release said. "Visitors will not be allowed while a patient is known to be positive for COVID-19 except for certain extenuating circumstances including end of life."

In addition to the new visitation policies, the health system also updated its requirements for visitors to be allowed into the hospital.

They include:

• Each support person must check in and check out with Security.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Wear a mask at all times.
• Wear additional personal protective equipment in certain circumstances if deemed necessary by the clinical staff.
• Agree to practice appropriate hand hygiene.
• Submit to a screening during every new visitation period, including a temperature check, and meet the required health standards for entry.
• Wear a visitor badge and the appropriately colored temperature verification band during the entire visit.
• Remain in the patient’s room or the assigned waiting room (where space for proper social distancing is available; otherwise, the visitor will be asked to leave until space becomes available) except for basic personal needs.
• Be courteous and kind to the staff and others.
• Follow all clinical staff instructions.

For more information about the updated policies, visit the DCH website here.