Prisma Health has begun limiting visitation at all hospital and clinical facilities due to the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections. The limitations began Monday. Adult inpatients, outpatients and ambulatory pediatric patients will be limited to one visitor. These restrictions also will continue:
- Visitors must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth (no gaiters or vented masks).
- Visitors will be screened upon entry. Anyone with possible COVID-19 symptoms cannot visit.
- Visitors must stay with the patient (not go to the cafeteria, gift shop, etc.). People over age 65 and those with chronic illnesses who are not vaccinated should refrain from visiting.
- On occasion, visitors should remain with a patient with special needs. Secure approval of attending doctor and administrator for exceptions.
“This measure is essential in the wake of a new surge of hospitalized patients who are very sick with COVID-19,” stated Dr. Rick Scott, leader of Prisma Health’s COVID-19 response. “Given the rapid community spread of the Delta variant, the trend is very concerning.”
Between July 7 and Aug. 5 the number of COVID-19 inpatients has risen from 20 to 208 across the Prisma Health system.
“Fewer than half of South Carolinians are fully vaccinated. To turn this around, getting vaccinated is everyone’s best protection and we must work together to prevent infection with masking, hand hygiene and social distancing,” stated Scott.