As COVID-19 and the rapid spread of omicron continues to impact our communities, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) in Wisconsin is working to control the spread by updating visitor policies at the following hospitals, effective Friday, Jan. 7:
- HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire
- HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chippewa Falls
The updated visitor policies are as follows:
- Emergency department patients may have ONE (1) support person who is required to be in the patient room at all times; extenuating circumstances will be evaluated.
- Patients nearing end-of-life will have special arrangements made on a case-by-case basis.
- All outpatient services patients may have ONE (1) person with them during a test/procedure and must remain in designated area at all times; if patient becomes admitted, rules of that admission unit then apply.
- Patients having surgery may have ONE (1) support person that remains in designated area at all times.
- Pediatric patients under the age of 18 may have TWO (2) parents or guardians present (newborn patients may have both parents).
- Obstetrical patients may have ONE (1) support person and Doula support.
In addition, all visitors MUST continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure upon entering the facility. Visitors who have any of the following symptoms or are not feeling well will NOT be allowed to visit:
- Fever (greater than 100.0 F) or chills
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
- Exposure in the past 10 days to a person confirmed to have COVID-19
- If the visitor had COVID-19 he/she may not come to the hospital until 10 days after onset of symptoms or positive COVID-19 test AND at least 24 hours fever free with improvement in symptoms
All visitors approved for entry into the hospital(s) must adhere to the following guidelines:
· Wear a surgical-grade facemask that covers the nose and mouth at all times. Cloth masks are not permitted. Surgical-grade masks will be made available to those who do not have one. In addition, a face shield is not acceptable in place of a mask.
· Use hand sanitizer to clean hands upon entering the hospital, entering a patient room and prior to exiting a patient room.
· Remain in patient room or in space designated by hospital colleagues.
Note: stating that one has received COVID-19 vaccination or has a history of COVID-19 recovery does not exempt a visitor from following the guidelines. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND UPDATES
