In response to an uptick in patients with COVID-19 across the health system, Penn State Health has revised its patient visitation guidelines.
The guidelines take effect on January 13 at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and Penn State Health Medical Group locations. The policy changes apply to inpatient and outpatient surgery, as well as outpatient clinic and procedural areas and emergency departments.
Under the revised guidance, adult patients may have one family/support person per day, and pediatric patients may have two family/support persons per day.
This revised guidance applies to patients without COVID; visitation restrictions for patients with COVID will remain in place. Penn State Health will continue to make iPads available for communication between care teams, patients and families.
Penn State Health will continue to screen all family/support persons who wish to enter any facility, and no one with COVID symptoms will be permitted to enter.
Everyone entering the facilities will also be required to wear a medical-grade mask – such as a surgical mask – at all times and maintain social distancing guidelines. Penn State Health facilities will provide surgical masks to any patients or visitors who do not have one upon arrival.
Penn State Health offers virtual screenings for COVID-19 through its telehealth service, Penn State Health OnDemand. Anyone with concerns they may have COVID-19 may use the service to talk directly with a provider who can evaluate symptoms and make care recommendations.
The adult and pediatric visitation guidelines are available on Penn State Health’s website.
