Effective Tuesday, March 24, Van Diest Medical Center is increasing visitor restrictions.

Hospital officials said for the immediate future, no visitors will be allowed in the hospital inpatient setting. Officials believe the fewer people with whom patients come into contact, the less likely they will be to contract COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

Some visitor exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances, including:

– Children admitted to the hospital

– Patients receiving end-of-life care

For approved exceptions, only one visitor per patient will be allowed. They must be:

– 18 years of age or older

– Either immediate family members, powers of attorney, guardians or patient representatives

n Healthy with no symptoms of illness, including fever, cough, or trouble breathing

As a reminder, the hospital continues to encourage the community to follow the best practices from the CDC to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

n Staying home if you are sick

n Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

n Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze

n Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

n Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth 

n Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

Van Diest Medical Center Hospital and Clinics continues to screen all visitors and staff members at every entry point for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as travel history and exposure potential to COVID-19.

If an individual begins to experience symptoms of COVID-19, they are instructed to call their primary care provider. For general questions about COVID-19, people are directed to please dial 2-1-1.