Effective Tuesday, March 8, all Carilion Clinic hospitals transitioned to green level restrictions for inpatient visitation. The primary change is permitting two visitors per day for adults during their stay. Previously, they were allowed only one in most cases.
Green visitation allows inpatient visitors with the following guidelines:
Adult patients are allowed two visitors. If deemed appropriate by the care team, children may visit if accompanied by an adult, and children do not count as visitors.
Pediatric patients are allowed two visitors over 18 (must be family members).
Emergency Department patients are allowed two visitors.
Labor and Delivery patients are allowed two visitors.
End-of-life patients are allowed up to four immediate family members.
Same-day surgery patients are allowed one visitor while being prepped. Once the patient is in a room, two visitors are allowed.
No visitors are permitted for COVID-19 patients, and shared spaces (bays, waiting areas, etc.) remain visitor-free zones.
“Patients’ support systems play crucial roles in their experience, so we are excited to welcome back additional visitors in a limited capacity,” said Patrice M. Weiss, the chief medical officer and executive vice president for Carilion. “While green-level visitation is less restrictive, it’s important to note that we remain vigilant against COVID-19. Protections like masking and screening requirements remain in place to keep our patients, visitors, and staff safe.”
Visitation is assessed every week based on community positivity rate, the spread of COVID-19, and mask compliance. Patients living in an area considered high-risk by the CDC should continue to use mitigation strategies like masking and social distancing.
“Even as community spread decreases, we’re continuing to care for hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are severely ill,” said Dr. Weiss. “In February, 82% of our hospitalized COVID-19 patients were not fully vaccinated or boosted. Vaccines remain the best possible tool for protection from severe illness.”
