UNC Health announced it is enacting stricter restrictions for visitors, vendors, volunteers and students at its facilities on Friday — which will apply to its hospitals, outpatient facilities and clinics.

Effective immediately, there will be just one designated visitor per patient for the duration of the patient’s stay, although appointment will be permitted in the majority of patient areas at UNC Health facilities across the state. Exceptions will be made for pediatric areas, which will allow two designated guardians per patient, as well as for end-of-life situations at the discretion of the care team.

In accordance with state guidelines, psychiatry areas will prohibit all visitation with the exception of child psych/adolescent areas, on a case-by-case basis. No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit for the foreseeable future.

In addition to these guidelines, the heath care system said all visitors to UNC Health facilities may be subject to health screening at any time.

For vendors and contractors, the release said only those who are essential to patient care and business operations will be allowed onsite on an as-needed basis. Vendors and contractors who do not directly support patient care and critical business operations should work remotely and will not be allowed in UNC Health facilities until further notice. Vendors and contractors may also be subject to health screening at any time prior to entry or while onsite at any UNC Health facility.

Volunteers also will be impacted by the new restrictions. Volunteers who do not directly support patient care activities or essential business operations should not report to UNC Health facilities until further notice. These volunteers should follow the same requirements as UNC Health employees. Volunteers age 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions, are discouraged from participating in their volunteer roles at this time.

The news comes just days after UNC Health said it was enacting voluntary restrictions for visitors. UNC Health already had visitor restrictions for children under 12 years old, as well as a voluntary restriction due to the influenza virus.

To work around the restrictions, the health system suggests friends and family members to remain at home and use virtual options to communicate with patients.

“As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we felt it was important to tighten access to our hospitals and clinics,” explained UNC Health CEO Dr. Wesley Burks in a statement. “Our top priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of patients, their families, and our incredible staff. While restricted access to our facilities will cause some inconvenience, we know it is in the best interest of our entire state.”

In addition to the restrictions, the release said community events, activities, and meetings hosted at all UNC Health campuses are canceled until further notice.

Photo via UNC Health.

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