PENSACOLA, Fla. -- U.S. hospitals in a half a dozen states have loosened restrictions related to the visitation of COVID-19 patients, according to the Associated Press.
Channel 3 asked Northwest Florida hospitals if they are undergoing any changes to their COVID-19 visitor rules.
Ascension Sacred Heart told Channel 3 that everyone entering the hospital must wear a mask at all times. The hospital adds that they currently have several protocols for visitation in place, a large majority permitting one visitor per day.
"For patients at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola who do not have COVID-19, we currently allow one visitor per day for inpatient areas, emergency room, operating and procedural waiting areas, Ascension said. "One visitor per patient is allowed in surgical and procedural waiting areas. One overnight visitor permitted. No visitors under the age of 12 are permitted."
For patients infected with COVID-19, Ascension hospital allows visitors in certain circumstances.
If a patient infected with COVID-19 has an Aerosol Generating Procedure, they could face certain restrictions. The procedure is likely to cause concentrations of infectious droplets and particles to spread into the air and be inhaled by others.
Patients who do not have Aerosol Generating Procedures are allowed one designated support person. The support person must wear personal protective equipment for the entire duration of their visit.
COVID-19 patients with Aerosol Generating Procedures can be visited by one visitor, but the visitor must stand outside the room and view the patient through a window.
Channel 3 also spoke with West Florida hospital to see if they are making any changes to their visitation policy.
West Florida hospital told Channel 3 they currently allow one visitor per patient at a time.
Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed visitation.
Visitors will be screened and must wear a mask while inside West Florida hospital. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.
West Florida says exceptions to the Limited Visitation Policy are for those receiving End of Life Care.
Santa Rosa Medical Group also sent Channel 3 a statement regarding their COVID-19 visitation policy that reads:
Our patient care philosophy depends greatly on engaging families to be part of the healing process but we also must maintain a safe environment. Throughout the pandemic, we have taken extra steps to protect our patients, employees, physicians and the community by maintaining certain safeguards and measures for the safety of all including no visitation with COVID-positive patients, with limited exceptions including end of life situations. As any changes are made to our visitation policies, we are keeping our website updated.
Channel 3 has also reached out to Baptist Hospital for their response.
Baptist Hospital said in a statement that they are happy to see a dramatic decline in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and are continuing to monitor the situation.
The hospital adds that they know it is important to be able to stay in contact with their loved ones. They hope to adjust their visitation policy in the future but at this time no visitors are allowed at the hospital.