IHC updates visitor restrictions

SALT LAKE CITY — Intermountain Healthcare has implemented new visitor restrictions at all of its locations.

The new policy begins Friday, April 10th at 7:00 am and adds to previous restrictions placed in March.

New visitor restrictions

The biggest change in policy is that Intermountain says that they will no longer be accepting visitors for emergency room patients except under a limited number of circumstances.

Intermountain says those exceptions include:

End of life patients who can have two total designated visitors.

Obstetric parents can have only one designated visitor for their entire hospital stay.

Healthy newborn patients may have both parents as visitors

Patents who are younger than 18 may have two designated visitors/guardians but one visitor/guardian per 24-hour period.

Patients who require assistance from another adult to stay safe may have one designated visitor.

 

In addition to those circumstances, visitors also must also be 18 years or older, in good health and wash their hands or use alcohol sanitizer when entering and leaving rooms and Intermountain facilities.

Intermountain also says that there will be no visitors to adult cancer patients or those undergoing chemotherapy or transplant patients due to their weakened immune systems and that anyone displaying symptoms of illness will not be allowed inside.

They also recommend that anyone visiting an InstaCare or clinic to come alone unless they are a minor or adult that need assistance.

“We know it’s difficult for patients, their families and friends to be physically apart, particularly during a hospital stay when having loved ones near gives patients comfort and peace,” Intermountain said in a release.

“We know communicating with loved ones and friends is a critical part of a patient’s healing in our hospitals,” they continued saying that is why they are encouraging and helping patients connect with family and friends on the phone or through video chat.

Intermountain says that patients who don’t have a smartphone or connected device to ask their care team about other options.

“We appreciate your help in protecting our community from the transmission of COVID-19. It’s our foremost duty as healthcare professionals to keep people safe from harm, and it is a duty we share with you,” they say.

“We all hold an important public health responsibility during these unprecedented times, and your support in our response to COVID-19 is invaluable to preserving the health and safety of our community.”

 

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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
• Get a flu shot.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States