Atrium, Novant announces new visit restrictions due to COVID-19

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CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – Charlotte’s two largest hospital systems have announced new visit restrictions due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

For Atrium Health at all hospitals, doctor’s offices and other Atrium Health sites (Effective Friday, August 20, 2021):

  • Patients will not allowed visitors:
    • If they have COVID-19 or may have COVID-19 (in testing) anywhere. (Patients under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit two (2) parents or guardians in some of these situations.
  • Visitors must:
    • Wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times (except while eating in selected areas)
    • Have a medical checkup when they enter the building
    • Be at least 12 years. (Children should be supervised at all times and are expected to comply with all safety protocols.)
    • Have good health (free of respiratory diseases, fever, cough, etc.)
    • Stay in the patient’s room visiting the patient, they can not tour the hospital
    • Follow all safety and social removal guidelines. This includes wearing masks, staying six feet away from others, and washing hands

“If a visitor does not follow the above directions, it can cause serious safety concerns. They will be escorted out of the building in order to protect our patients and our staff.”

  • Patients in Atrium Health’s specialist nursing facilities may be allowed a limited number of visitors. Contact the patient’s facility for more information about the visit to their facility.
  • Special circumstances will be managed by the treating physician and facility leaders

Atrium Hospitals:

  • One (1) visitor will be allowed for adult patients in acute care hospitals
  • Two (2) parents or guardians may visit patients under 18 years of age
    • Visiting time for hospitals they are daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can change during the same day.
    • Operated patients may have one (1) visitor until they are in their patient room, even if they arrive before 8 a.m. pm
    • Patients under the age of 18 can visit two parents or guardians at any time of the day.

Ongoing guidance for medical offices and atrium medical offices:

  • 1 visitor will be allowed on doctor visits with adult patients
  • Two parents or guardians are allowed to come to visit if patients are under 18 years of age
  • For special situations, the doctor will work with the office manager to find the best solution for the patient.
  • Visitors should be prepared to be available by mobile phone once the patient is ready to be seen or to stay with the patient (if there is no space in the building)

To learn more about Atrium Health’s visitor restrictions, visit https://atriumhealth.org/for-patients-visitors/visitor-restrictions

For Novant Health:

  • As of Tuesday, August 24, all patients, except those with COVID-19 or who are being investigated for COVID-19, may have an overnight visitor.
  • All visitors to the hospital must be over the age of 12 *, healthy, must pass COVID-19 screening questions and wear a mask while on site.

Additional restrictions for visitors include:

  • No visitors are allowed in the emergency room waiting room with adult patients unless the patient is over 65 or clearly needs a support person. A visitor will be allowed once the patient is in the treatment room.
  • Inpatients, critical care, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and pediatric patients are allowed two visitors a day; visitors must be the same two people a day.
  • Obstetric patients, childbirth and childbirth are allowed a support person throughout the stay. These patients may also have a certified doula in addition to the support person.
  • Patients who have COVID-19 or are under investigation to detect COVID-19 may receive a visit from the community clergy at the request of the patient or family. The clergy must bring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and leave the building immediately after their visit.
  • Exceptions may continue to be granted in special circumstances, such as end-of-life care.
  • These guidelines remain in place to protect the health of patients, team members, and visitors and to reduce the likelihood that someone will find or inadvertently spread COVID-19.
  • We encourage friends and family of our patients to consider using phone calls or video chats to communicate with their loved ones. We also encourage patients to seek specific guidance from their physician before inviting visitors to our facilities.

For more information on Novant Health visitor restrictions, visit NovantHealth.org/Coronavirus.

Please note that visitors to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center must be over the age of 16.

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