INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis hospitals are easing visitor restrictions put in place three months ago due to COVID-19.
According to the Marion County Health Department, the number of COVID-19 cases in Marion County is decreasing. Local emergency departments are reporting fewer visits for COVID-like illness and hospitals are seeing fewer patients admitted positive for COVID-19.
With fewer restrictions, more non-COVID-19 patients can have a designated visitor. Visitors are now allowed for:
- Vulnerable patients that may have special needs (dementia, Down syndrome, autism, etc.)
- Patients at the end of life
Special consideration will be given for visitors for the following patients:
- Pediatrics
- Neo-natal Intensive Care (NICU)
- Obstetrics and post-partum
- New admissions
- Intensive Care (ICU)
A heath department spokesman says the most current information on each hospital’s visitation policy, will be on the hospital's website or call the hospital directly.
Here are additional regulations for hospital visitors"
- Must be 18 or older.
- All visitors will be screened and checked for symptoms.
- Visitors will be required to wear a mask during the entire visit. (Note: No masks with exhalation valves are permitted. These only protect the wearer and not others around them.)
- Frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing is required.
- Social distancing of six feet should be maintained as much as possible.
- No visitors should visit if they have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have been around a person that has tested positive for the virus
Again, these policies are for visiting non-COVID-19 patient. Visitors are not allowed at this time for COVID-19 positive patients to lessen the risk of transmitting the virus. Special visits may be arranged for patients facing possible end-of-life instances.
