Mayo Clinic Health System’s Northwest Wisconsin Region will reduce the number of visitors allowed in its hospitals and clinics in Northwest Wisconsin to one designated visitor per patient, beginning at 6 a.m. CDT on Monday, Aug. 23. This change affects hospitals in Barron, Bloomer, Eau Claire, Menomonie and Osseo, as well as all Mayo Clinic Health System clinics in the region. Mayo Clinic Health System is making this change in response to increasing cases of COVID-19 in the communities it serves, largely due to the delta variant.
One designated visitor per patient means one consistent visitor ― not a rotation. Visitors under 13 are not permitted in the hospital inpatient setting.
“We are again seeing a rise in the number of patients with COVID-19, as well as increasing community spread of the virus in Northwest Wisconsin,” says Jason Craig, regional chair of administration, Northwest Wisconsin Region, Mayo Clinic Health System. “We understand these restrictions will be difficult for patients and their loved ones. We are taking these necessary steps to protect our patients, visitors and staff. We encourage family members to consider other ways to connect with their loved ones, such as via phones or other devices. We continue to encourage anyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated. Vaccines are readily available, and they are the best defense available to protect yourself and those around you.”
A patient’s care team may make exceptions to the visitor policy for end-of-life care, or patients facing a sudden decline or life-altering impact.
All patients, visitors and staff must wear a cloth mask or face covering, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Visitors should bring their own mask or face covering to wear while at a Mayo facility. If visitors do not have a mask, Mayo Clinic Health System will provide one.
