St. Elizabeth’s Hospital announces new rules for visitors of COVID-positive patients

Visitor restrictions put in place at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon have been updated due to a decline in COVID-19 numbers in St. Clair County.

Effective April 11, two visitors per patient per day will be allowed for COVID positive patients, the hospital announced Monday. Visitors must check in with nursing staff before entering a room to be provided with the mandatory personal protective equipment for their safety, according to a release from HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

It is also recommended that visitor’s of COVID positive patients leave personal belongings at home because purses and bags will not be allowed in the patient’s room, the release stated.

Medical-grade masks (non-cloth) are still mandatory for all visitors in health care facilities, per the CDC guidelines.

Hospital leadership reminds the public that no one should visit persons in health care facility if they have any of the following:

1. A positive viral test within the last 10 days for SARS-COV-2,
2. Symptoms of COVID-19, or
   
   
3. Close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
   
   

Visitors guidelines for other areas of the hospital remain unchanged and are as follows:

Emergency Department

• Adult patient: One visitor who must stay in the patient’s room for duration of visit.
• Pediatric patient: Two parents and/or guardians who must stay in patient’s room for duration of visit.

Inpatient units

• Adult inpatients: Two visitors per patient per day during the hours of 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• pediatric patients: Two parents or guardians allowed.
• Women and infants center: One main support person who must remain the same for the hospital stay and a second visitor allowed each day.
• End-of-life patients: Two visitors per patient per day.

Surgery (inpatient and outpatient): One visitor in the patient’s room for the duration of the surgical procedure.

Outpatient diagnostic and therapy services: One visitor may accompany the patient or wait in the designated waiting areas.

Approved visitors/support persons must be over the age of 18 unless they are parents of a child receiving care.

This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 6:00 AM.