WEST READING, Pa. – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Berks County, Reading Hospital is taking steps to contain the spread of the virus on its walls.
The hospital announced Thursday that it has revised its policy for visitors to its West Reading campus to allow only one visitor per patient per day, with immediate effectiveness.
Rehabilitation of the reading hospital in Wyomissing, Spring Township, will continue to follow guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which allow visitors only when deemed medically necessary, officials said.
The hospital said it took the step, as the positive prevalence of COVID in Berks County now exceeds 10%, according to the latest analysis.
“We are committed to the safety and health of our patients, staff and visitors,” said Rosemary Wurster, vice president and director of nursing at the hospital. “We will continue to monitor the prevalence of COVID in our communities and follow the recommended guidelines of health agencies and adjust our visitation policies accordingly.”
The hospital said it requires all its employees, patients and visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear a mask inside any of their facilities.
Tower Health, Reading Hospital’s main system, also requires the 14,000 employees to get a vaccine against COVID-19.