UNC Health eases coronavirus restrictions, will now allow one visitor per patient
UNC Health began easing visitor restrictions to its Triangle hospitals on Monday, including UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill (including the Hillsborough Hospital), UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh and Johnston Health hospitals in Smithfield and Clayton.
Each patient will be allowed one designated, screened visitor in most inpatient areas, UNC Health announced.
All visitors will be required to wear masks and are subject to health screenings at any time. Other exceptions will continue to be allowed for end-of-life situations, minors and patients requiring family support.
Patients who are confirmed for COVID-19 or under investigation will not be allowed any visitors, unless compassionate care is approved.
Tougher visitor restrictions were implemented in March when the pandemic first struck the region. UNC Health said it expects to make further updates to visitor policies as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
“Our goal is to improve patients’ health, while protecting all patients and our staff,” Cathy Madigan, chief nurse executive of health, said in a statement. “We recognize that allowing visitors is an important step that can improve the overall health of our patients.
“While our previous restrictions were necessary, we realize they created an added strain on patients and families. We are grateful for their patience during this crisis. We are confident that we have a better understanding of this virus, and that we have an adequate supply of masks and other equipment to protect our patients, visitors and staff.”
Other updated visitor rules effective Monday include:
▪ All visitors must pass a health screening. No visitor with fever, cough, cold or flu-like symptoms may enter any UNC Health Triangle area facility.
▪ No one should visit a patient if they have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID- 19 in the past 14 days.
▪ No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit.
An appropriate mask will be provided to visitors during the screening process. Visitors will be required to wear the mask at all times.
Restrictions for outpatient areas remain in place. No visitors or companions are allowed in outpatient areas, with some exceptions.
At the UNC Medical Center, Hillsborough and Johnston Health Emergency Departments, one companion will be allowed to accompany a patient (unless the patient is confirmed COVID-19 or under investigation). Because of space constraints, UNC REX will keep restrictions on visitors in its Emergency Department.
More details, including visiting hours, will be posted on each hospital’s websites.
