Piedmont Healthcare implementing new safety restrictions for visitors

In order to best protect the safety of its patients and employees, Piedmont Healthcare is implementing Level IV visitor restrictions at all 11 hospitals, according to a press release. The no-visitor policy will be instituted until further notice, but the policy makes an exception for special circumstances.

This means the only visitors allowed are essential family members who must receive pre-approval from the patient care team in cases including end-of-life care, labor and delivery patients, and for legal guardians of minors receiving care. Such minors include Piedmont’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In addition, approved visitors must pass the health/quarantine screening.

Visitors will not be allowed to enter the room of a patient who is presumptive positive, confirmed or a Person Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19.

All hospital visitor entrances will be closed except for designated areas. To be allowed entry, all visitors must pass a health screening, which includes the following criteria:

· Visitors with fever, cough, sore throat or flu-like symptoms will not be admitted.

· Visitors displaying symptoms of other acute respiratory illness, as well as those who have traveled recently outside the United States, will not be admitted.

· Visitors who have had close contact with individuals who are known to be infected or suspected of being infected will not be admitted.

Visitors who are admitted will wear an arm band or sticker to signify they have been safely screened. People with increased risk of chronic conditions and existing comorbidities are advised not to visit. Piedmont will monitor waiting rooms and other common areas for excess congregation.

Piedmont encourages the use of electronic devices to communicate with patients who are hospitalized.

Information: piedmont.org