NJ Coronavirus: Jefferson, Virtua Hospitals Restricting Visitors

As more cases of coronavirus are reported in New Jersey, some hospitals are restricting patient visitations for precautionary reasons.

On Thursday morning, Jefferson Hospital announced it was limiting visitors to no more than two in each patient area, including labor and delivery units. They will be further restricted if they show flu like symptoms, and visitors will be required to wear protective gear.

Any patient being treated for coronavirus will be restricted to one visitor, and any family member or visitor with a travel history to mainland China, South Korea, Iran, Italy or other area outlined by the CDC is not allowed to enter the hospital.

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Jefferson Cherry Hill treated the only case of presumptive positive coronavirus identified in Camden County to date. Earlier this week, officials said the condition of the Cherry Hill man in his 60s has improved.

Community Service and Support Group activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety of patients, volunteers and staff.

“Please keep in mind, we understand the desire of patients, as well as their families and loved ones to be together during illness or hospitalization, but it is our responsibility to keep everyone safe,” Jefferson said in a statement.

Only two other cases have been reported in South Jersey. A married couple from Burlington County tested presumptive positive earlier this week. Officials didn’t say where that couple was being treated, but the husband works at Mercer-Bucks Cardiology in Robbinsville. That office is closed until further notice.

As of Wednesday, Virtua Health Systems were restricting visitors who have traveled outside the United States in the last 14 days or have a fever or illness.

“Virtua Health convened a multidisciplinary taskforce and developed a comprehensive response plan around COVID-19. Our clinical teams have implemented screening procedures and are actively examining this continuously changing situation,” the health system said on its website. “Additionally, we are closely collaborating with the CDC as well as the New Jersey Department of Health to help ensure the well-being of our colleagues, clinicians, patients, and visitors.”

Cooper Health said it is taking a number of steps to protect patients.

“If you believe you or a family member has coronavirus COVID-19, please call your primary care doctor before visiting or call the hospital before going to the Emergency Department,” Cooper Health advises patients. “Once you arrive, immediately notify the desk you think you may have the coronavirus COVID-19 so they can give you a mask and put you in a dedicated room.”

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