Hospital visitor policy changed

St. Charles’ hospitals will no longer require visitors to show proof of vaccination, though wearing a mask will still be mandatory.

Signage posted at hospital entrances will encourage some visitors to leave, including those who have respiratory symptoms, have a pending COVID-19 test, or who have been in contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case in the last 14 days. Visitor screening does not apply to those seeking medical treatment or COVID-19 testing.

Additionally, all patients — including those who are positive for COVID-19 — will be allowed two visitors at a time, who may come and go from the hospital as needed. The exception is the Emergency Department, where only one visitor will be allowed.

In some cases, visitors may be required to wear additional personal protective equipment for their safety.

“Two years ago, we instituted visitor restrictions to keep our caregivers and patients safe,” said Debbie Robinson, St. Charles Bend’s chief nursing officer. “We’re in a different place now. The number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are low in our community, and we have vaccines and many effective treatments available.”