Monmouth Hospitals Open For Visitors – With Restrictions

HOLMDEL, NJ – The state Health Department has outlined rigid guidelines that will allow New Jersey hospitals and surgery centers to accept visitors once more, according to Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli at a June 30 press conference.

Visitors can expect to have a symptom and temperature check upon arrival and will be required to wear PPE at all times. Hospitals will be able to provide appropriate protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves, to visitors who need it. Social distancing will be observed in common spaces such as cafeterias, lobbies and waiting rooms, and visitors will be allowed to use amenities such as the cafeteria.

While all hospitals will be required to follow state guidelines, requirements regarding visitation hours and duration of visits will be set by each facility.

“All visitors must be 18 years of age or greater, except in rare exceptions as determined by the facility,” said Persichilli. “Visitors are limited to one person at a time, unless the patient is a minor, in which case the pediatric patient may have both parents or guardians or at the facilities’ discretion, a limited number of additional persons as determined to be appropriate.”

Several area hospitals have already announced their own guidelines surrounding visitation, including Hackensack Meridian Health, which will allow one visitor per patient at a time during the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exception of the emergency department. Meridian Health nursing and rehabilitation visitation centers will allow outdoor visits by appointment only. A maximum of two visitors will be allowed at a time per patient and food is not permitted.

RWJ Barnabas facilities will not be permitting visitation for patients with COVID-19 unless the patient is in hospice care or end of life. Their statewide locations will allow one visitor per patient to be permitted in adult inpatient acute care units from noon to 8 p.m. No visitors will be permitted until further notice in adult behavioral health units.

“RWJBarnabas Health has developed policies and procedures to prioritize and ensure the health and safety of all patients, visitors and staff in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Executive Vice President, Chief Medical and Quality Officer John F. Bonamo in a statement. “One of the most important safeguards established to achieve this goal has been restricting visitation in our facilities. However, we recognize the vital role that family members and loved ones have in the healing and well-being of our patients and with declining numbers in the state we are happy to announce that visitors will be permitted again.”

Persichilli’s briefing comes weeks after New York State allowed hospital visits to resume on June 16.

Earlier this month, New Jersey allowed outdoor visits for nursing home residents and those with developmental disabilities in group homes on June 21.