By Marci Creps
Starting Sunday, no visitors will be permitted at any Indiana University Health hospitals.
Exceptions will be considered for a patient to receive one visitor in the following areas:
* Neonatal intensive care unit
* OB/delivery
* Pediatrics
* Emergency department
* Outpatient surgery
* Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health – one patient/guardian per patient
In end of life situations, two visitors will be allowed per patient.
Patients being directly admitted to the hospital may also be allowed a visitor at the time of admission only.
The hospitals are also following new entry and screening processes. IU Health will limit the number of access points to its facilities. All visitors will enter through main doors and will be screened upon entry. The screening process will include asking questions required for COVID-19. The questions align with CDC guidelines. The questions are:
1. Do you have a new cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or fever within the past 21 days?
2. Have you traveled to Europe, China, Italy, Iran or South Korea in the past 21 days? European countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marin and Vatican City.
3. Have you had close contact with a person known/suspected to have COVID-19?
Visitors identified as high risk will not be allowed to enter unless he or she is seeking emergent care. The visitor will also be given instructions on what to do next by the screening staff.
OTHER IU HEALTH FACILITIES
At all IU Health locations, visitors will be restricted to two persons who are necessary for the patient’s emotional well-being and care. Exceptions will be made locally for end of life patients.
Only visitors who are 18 years of age or older or emancipated minors should be allowed in the facility.
All visitors will be screened for symptoms with questions listed at entrances to the facility. They include the same questions listed above that are asked of hospital visitors. Anyone who answers yes to one of the questions will be directed to the IU Health Virtual Clinic or their primary care provider. They will also not be allowed to enter unless seeking emergent care.
Vender partners will also be screened as visitors.
Patients suspected or confirmed positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors. Patients who are minors will be allowed no more than one parent or guardian.
Visitors exposed to the patient before isolation should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days after exposure and should not visit the patient.
