Rising COVID-19 cases has forced a Central Virginia hospital to restrict visitation.

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital said this week that modified visitation guidelines are in effect:

Inpatients

• No visitors are allowed at this time for patients in the hospital.
• Exceptions will be made for those who have altered mental status, behavioral issues, handicaps, end of life, or <<> 18 years of age. These patients may have 1 designated visitor.
• Patients who are end of life may have visitors at the discretion of nursing leadership utilizing appropriate PPE.

RELATED: COVID-19 cases rising nationwide, raising fears of fifth wave

Outpatients, Procedural or Testing

• Non-COVID procedural patients may have 1 visitor with them for the procedure.
• COVID patients or patients suspected of having COVID may not have a visitor with them for their procedure/test.
• Patients receiving diagnostic services in Lab or Radiology are not allowed visitors unless they have altered mental status, behavioral issues, handicaps, or <<> 18 years of age.

Emergency Department Patients

• No visitors are allowed at this time for patients in the hospital.
• Exceptions will be made for those who have altered mental status, behavioral issues, handicaps, end of life, or <<> 18 years of age. These patients may have 1 designated visitor.
• Approved visitors may be asked to wait in their vehicle and will be called when the patient is in a room and can have a visitor.
• Patients who are end of life may have visitors at the discretion of nursing leadership utilizing appropriate PPE.

RELATED: What's next for COVID-19 vaccines for youngest US children

Maternity, Nursery Patients

• Maternity patient should call 434-517-3337 for the current maternity visitation policy.

General Visitation Rules

• Pediatric patients will be allowed to have 2 parents/guardians present with them during their stay. If the patient is COVID positive or suspected of having COVID, only 1 parent/guardian at a time in the room is allowed.
• Please limit congregating in waiting rooms.
• If a waiting room is at capacity, you may be asked to wait outside of the building or in your vehicle.
• Clergy are allowed to visit in addition to the approved visitor.
• Masks are required at all times regardless of vaccination status, except when eating or drinking while socially distanced.
• Visitors 12 and under are prohibited from our hospital.
• Visitors will only be allowed if they are approved by the guidelines above and do not have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or current positive or pending COVID status.
• Visitors should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting patient rooms.