Special Message

About Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Baptist Health System is working closely with Metropolitan Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to any potential coronavirus cases in our area. We routinely treat infectious diseases at our hospitals. We have strong infection control policies, procedures, and systems in place to screen and treat patients. We are committed to keeping our patients, our staff, and our community safe. For more information about the coronavirus, go to the CDC website..

Visitor Guidelines

As of August 14, 2021, due to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, visitation is being limited to ONE visitor per patient between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. with the following exceptions for two visitors:

Patients with disabilities that require a support person to effectively communicate with medical personnel
Patients at the end of life
Patients in active labor
Post Partum Patients
Pediatric patients
NICU patients

In-person visitation for patients in isolation for COVID-19 will be at the discretion of the attending physician.

In these instances, the support person/visitor must be free of COVID symptoms or risk factors with the exception of exposure to COVID-19 from the patient they are visiting/supporting. Visitation should be arranged through the hospital’s House Officer by contacting the patient’s nurse on the unit. Visitors must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the visitation in order to visit.

For Elective Surgery/Invasive Procedure Patients – One Visitors can:

Escort the patient to registration,
Remain in the designated waiting rooms/lobbies during the patient’s procedure, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing and
Remain at the patient’s bedside at all times after recovery.

Visitors must:

Wear a mask at all times
Wash or sanitize hands
Remain in the patient’s room and not congregate in waiting areas
Remain in designated waiting rooms/lobbies and practice social distancing for patient’s having surgery/procedure

Visitors cannot visit if they have any of the following symptoms or risk factors:

Fever (over 100°F) with or without chills [Includes a measured temperature of over 100°F or a subjective fever (feeling feverish)]
Cough, with or without sputum production
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or running nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Close contact (within 6 feet) in the last 14 days with a person who is confirmed positive for COVID-19

Exceptions to the restricted visitation guidelines may be made on an individual basis by hospital executive leadership after careful evaluation of any clinical and/or ethical concerns. We appreciate your support and understanding during this time.