New Restrictions At Southern Ocean Medical Due To Coronavirus

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Southern Ocean Medical Center updated its visitor restrictions again to keep patients and the public safe from the novel coronavirus. All Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals put the new rule in effect Friday.

The hospital restricted visitation with certain exceptions, including:

• Hospice
• Pediatric care
• Ambulatory Care/same-day surgery (one visitor)
• Maternity/labor and delivery (one visitor)

Once a visitor is approved, they will undergo a temperature screening, official said. They will also need to provide their contact information in the event that tracing becomes necessary.

Phone and video calls to patients are welcome and encouraged.

There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Ocean County as of Friday morning. At this time, the state has confirmed 29 cases in New Jersey . Governor Phil Murphy recommended canceling all public gatherings of more than 250 people.

As a precautionary measure and to keep patients and team members safe, HMH is also asking its team members to self-monitor their temperature before they report to work.

"We are taking these proactive precautions to protect our patients, team members, and the communities we serve," said Jerry Zuckerman, M.D., vice president, Infection Prevention and Control at Hackensack Meridian Health. "Our care team is sensitive to the separation this restriction causes our patients and their loved ones, but we believe this measure of protection is essential at this time to keep people safe."

These visitor restrictions will be re-evaluated in 30 days.

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