The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Because the number of COVID-19 cases in the community continues to be high, St. Charles Health System will no longer allow hospitalized COVID-19-positive patients to receive visitors under most circumstances.

To protect St. Charles’ patients and caregivers, door screeners and guest services teams will notify any visitors who intend to visit COVID-19-positive patients that they will not be allowed to visit.

St. Charles will once again encourage COVID-19-positive patients to use iPads for communication with their family members.

“This was a tough decision, but a necessary one to ensure the safety of our patients and caregivers,” said Dr. Jeff Absalon, the health system’s chief physician executive. “The risk of exposure continues to be high, so we must do everything we can to prevent further spread of the virus.”