Just one week after announcing previous restrictions on visitors to its hospitals and clinics, UNC Health tightened its access further.

The health system announced on Friday it is no longer permitting visitors to the inpatient areas until further notice, its latest step to prevent patient and staff exposure to the spreading coronavirus called COVID-19. In addition, the number of entrances at hospitals will be limited and all visitors and patients, including vendors and contractors, will be screened at designated entry points. Any visitors under 18 years old are still not allowed and visitors older than 65, pregnant or are immunocompromised are strongly encouraged to not visit.

Exceptions to the restrictions are in place, however, according to the system’s release. One visitor each will be allowed for pediatric patients, laboring mothers, companions of an Emergency Department patient and for a patient following a surgery or invasive procedure. The number of visitors for end-of-life situations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The health system’s previously enacted restrictions limited patients to one visitor each during the duration of their stay and made visitors subject to a health screening at any chosen time.

A statement on UNC Health’s website explains the decision to further restrict its visitor policies.

These restrictions have been put in place to protect everyone’s safety. The best scientific data and expertise inform us that “social distancing” is an essential element in successful efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. We must do our part to support these guidelines and remain a good community partner. We also encourage you to use electronic communication for “virtual visitation,” such as FaceTime and Skype, in place of in-person visitation wherever possible. We appreciate your understanding at this time.

In addition to sharing its new visitor policies, UNC Health shared a release written with WakeMed asking the community for donations of important medical supplies, as the systems prepare to help more COVID-19 patients. N95 masks, surgical masks and nasal swabs are the items of the highest priority.

To learn more about UNC Health’s restrictions to visitors at inpatient areas, visit its website.

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