CLEVELAND — University Hospitals is implementing a new visitation policy amid a rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the state. The new policy went into effect Tuesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • University Hospitals in northeast Ohio is altering its visitation policy due to a rise in COVID-19 cases

  • Most patients will only be allowed one visitor per day while hospitalized

  • The policy took effect Tuesday

  • The Ohio Hospital Association said the rise in cases has put a strain on hospital resources

The updated visitation policy follows a similar announcement by the Cleveland Clinic earlier this month. 

In general, patients will be relegated to one visitor per day regardless whether they’re a COVID-19 patient or not. Labor and delivery and youth patients will be permitted two visitors. Other details are available on the University Hospitals website. 

University Hospitals will also screen visitors for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering. Visitors are also required to wear a mask at all times while in the hospital. 

“Implementing a visitor policy is a thoughtful balancing act between the art of compassion and the science of health,” University Hospitals said in a statement. “Clinically, when COVID-19 positive numbers rise, limiting visitors limits the potential exposure to and spread of the virus. Yet emotionally and physically, having family or friends at the bedside can make a world of difference in a patient’s recovery. Our visitor policy seeks to provide a healing environment that is safe for everyone.”

Hospitalizations throughout the state have increased in recent weeks as the state is now averaging closing to 200 coronavirus-related hospital admissions per day, according to state data. The state data indicates that hospitalizations related to COVID-19 are at their highest level since late January.

The Ohio Hospital Association said earlier this month the rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations has led to altered visitation policies and the postponements of elective surgeries. 

“Unvaccinated Ohioans are driving the new surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, putting dangerous strain on our state’s health care infrastructure, especially the health care workforce that has been on the front lines of the pandemic for the past 18 months,” Mike Abrams, the Ohio Hospital Association’s president and CEO, said. “Hospitals once again are being forced to make tough decisions — such as rescheduling elective procedures, activating patient diversion plans and limiting visitation policies — to alleviate the pressure caused by the growing number of COVID-19 patients. In addition, the Delta variant is perpetuating a staffing crisis that is severely limiting hospitals’ abilities to respond to the many other urgent medical needs in their communities.”

 

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