Lifespan hospitals implementing new limits on visitation policy

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – Lifespan announced changes to its visitation policy at its hospitals and ambulatory care sites Tuesday due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island.

The major changes to the visitation policy include:

• Fewer number of visitors allowed per patient
• Fewer number of family members/escorts allowed during emergency department intake
• No outside food may be brought in during visit but hospital cafeterias remain open to visitors

• General visitation requirements that remain unchanged include:

  ·   All visitors must be at least 18 years old.

  ·   Visitors with COVID symptoms will be denied entry regardless of COVID-vaccination status.

  ·   All visitors must wear a hospital mask over their nose and mouth regardless of vaccination status.

Patients in most settings will be allowed one visitor at a time and up to a limit of two different people for the duration of the stay.

“Lifespan understands this is difficult for patients and their loved ones, but such measures are necessary to help protect their health and safety as well as that of our health care workers and the general public during the ongoing pandemic,” a Lifespan spokeswoman said in a news release.

Detailed visitor guidelines for all Lifespan locations are available online.