Virtua Updates Visitor Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Scare

Virtua Health announced new visitor restrictions to help prevent the spread of new coronavirus on Friday. It has also postponed some community classes and events.

As of Friday, no visitors will be permitted in the adult emergency department and transplant unit, and only one visitor will be allowed for adult patients not in the emergency room.

Two visitors will be allowed in pediatrics and the maternity ward. The two visitors in the maternity ward should be the same for the duration of admission. Only one parent will be permitted in the pediatric emergency department.

All visitors must be 16 years old or older, and anyone who is coughing or showing other signs of illness will be asked to leave and visit remotely. Visitors will be asked to wash or sanitize their hands before entering patient care areas.

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Visiting hours will be as follows:

Adult Units:
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
5 to 8 p.m.

Pediatrics and Maternity:
24 Hours/Day

“The health and well-being of this community is our top priority, so we are following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by temporarily cancelling classes and events at our facilities through April 30,” the health system said in a statement on its website. “Thank you for understanding.”

The health system also advises keeping in touch with loved ones via social media or using cell phones and traditional landline phones.

The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a call center (1-800-222-1222) for public use regarding questions, concerns, and other information related to coronavirus spread in New Jersey. More information is also available on the state's coronavirus webpage.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know