HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Southside Virginia community, Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital says it will continue with modified visitation guidelines until it can safely implement additional opportunities for visitation.

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital released its updated visitation policy, effective Tuesday, May 24:

Inpatients

  • No visitors
  • Exceptions: Altered mental status, behavior issues, handicaps, end of life, or patients younger than 18
    • One visitor per patient
  • Visitors for end of life patients are at the discretion of nursing leadership

Outpatients, procedural, or testing

  • One visitor is allowed for non-COVID procedural patients
  • No visitors are allowed for COVID patients or patients suspected of having COVID
  • No visitors are allowed for patients receiving diagnostic services
  • Exceptions: Patients with altered mental status, behavioral issues, handicaps, or patients younger than 18

Emergency department patients

  • No visitors
  • Exceptions: Patients with altered mental status, behavioral issues, handicaps, end of life, or patients younger than 18
    • These patients can have one visitor
  • Visitors will have to wait in their cars until called
  • Visitors for end of life patients are at the discretion of nursing leadership

Maternity and nursery patients

  • You are asked to call 434-517-3337 for the current maternity visitation policy

General visitation rules

  • Two parents/guardians are allowed for pediatric patients
    • Only one parent/guardian is allowed if the patient has COVID or is suspected of having COVID
  • Limit amount of people in waiting rooms
  • You may be asked to wait in your car if the waiting room is at capacity
  • Clergy is allowed to visit in addition to the approved visitor
  • Masks are required regardless of vaccination status
  • Anyone 12 and under is not allowed to visit the hospital
  • Visitors must be approved by the guidelines and not have symptoms of respiratory infection
  • Visitors are asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting patient rooms

Hospital officials say they will continue to monitor their visitor policy and adjust it as appropriate.