Virtua Stops Receiving Visitors To Prevent Coronavirus Spread

Virtua Health has stopped allowing visitors at all their inpatient and outpatient centers as of Monday morning in an attempt to prevent the spread of new coronavirus, the health system announced.

Exceptions will be made for the following cases:

• Terminally-ill patients;
• Laboring mothers;
• Neonatal Intensive Care Units;
• Pediatric Patients; and
• Those serving as caregivers for patients undergoing same-day surgeries and procedures.

Anyone who is permitted to visit must wash or sanitize their hands before entering patient care areas. Anyone who is coughing or showing other signs of illness will be asked to leave or visit remotely.

Virtua has patient care facilities across South Jersey, including Burlington and Camden counties where a total of eight positive cases of new coronavirus have been officially confirmed. This includes six in Burlington County and two in Camden County, as of Monday morning.

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“Virtua is treating community members who have symptoms that fit the profile for COVID-19. Based on the severity of their symptoms, some have been admitted to the hospital; others have been instructed to isolate at home,” Virtua spokesman Daniel Moise said in an email to Patch. “We are using the patient’s medical history, presenting symptoms, and exposure history to determine if COVID-19 testing is required. Currently, we are sending tests to commercial laboratories and the New Jersey Department of Health laboratory. Since COVID-19 cannot be determined immediately with laboratory testing, Virtua has erred on the side of caution and has taken all available safety measures to eliminate opportunities for potential exposure. That is why people who have manageable symptoms are told to isolate at home.”

Virtua reminds residents that safeguarding the health of the community requires everyone to do their part.

“Virtua encourages the residents of South Jersey to follow the recommended precautions, including avoiding large gatherings, social distancing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, and handwashing thoroughly and often,” Moise said.

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