Coronavirus: CentraState Medical Center Tightens Visitor Policies

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — As the new coronavirus continues to spread, CentraState Medical Center officials say the hospital has instituted tighter rules for visitors.

It also has set up an area to assess and treat people who may be ill with the virus.

"CentraState Healthcare System is fully prepared to handle patients with infectious diseases such as COVID-19," the hospital website said. "We have a dedicated area in our Emergency Department to triage and treat patients suspected of having the virus, and our staff is fully trained to treat patients appropriately while also keeping themselves, patients and visitors safe from infection."

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There have been four cases of the coronavirus, COVID-19, identified in Monmouth County as of Wednesday, state health officials have said.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. There were 23 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey as of Wednesday. One man, from Bergen County, has died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

In addition to the area set up to receive patients, the hospital is asking visitors to put on a mask if visiting the hospital and speak with the greeter immediately if you have:

• traveled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea
• been with someone who has traveled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea
• had close contact with a person who is under investigation for coronavirus while that person was ill

And if you have any of the following symptoms:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Visitors experiencing these symptoms are urged to avoid visiting until they are well.

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