Amid the continuing spike in covid-19 cases, Southcoast Health is further restricting the vistor policy at its facilities, including Tobey Hospital. As of Jan. 12, the organization is temporarily suspending inpatient visitation. 

“We understand this is difficult; however, limiting visitation is necessary to help eliminate the spread of COVID-19 in our hospitals and emergency departments, while ensuring a safe healing environment for patients,” a press release read. 

There are no visitors allowed to the hospital or emergency department, with some exceptions at the discretion of the patient’s care team. 

Allowed visitors include legal guardians and health care proxies, those visiting patients on end of life care, the partner of someone giving birth, or parents of a minor child. No visitors under the age of five, including siblings, are allowed in the post-partum unit, and no visitors under the age of 12 are allowed in the pediatric unit. 

All approved visitors must show proof of covid-19 vaccination or a negative covid-19 PCR test result obtained from a laboratory with a result provided within 24 hours of the visit. All visitors must remain masked throughout their visit and stay in the patient’s room except when entering or exiting the building or using a restroom. 

Visitors are not allowed for patients with covid-19 unless the visitor is there as a birth partner for a covid-19 positive parent giving birth or visiting a patient on end-of-life care. 

For complete guidelines, visit www.southcoast.org.