Only 1 Person, No Children Allowed To Visit St. Joseph's Hospitals Amid COVID Concerns

WAYNE, NJ — St. Joseph's Health added limitations to hospital visits Friday because of coronavirus risk levels in surrounding communities. Restrictions include allowing only one visitor at a time in most cases and preventing children from visiting patients.

Patient volume at St. Joseph's hospitals continues to remain steady with steady upticks, according to the health care provider.

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COVID cases have risen in recent weeks throughout Passaic County and New Jersey. The county averaged 154.8 infections per day over the past week, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The area averaged 49 new cases per day on this week a month ago.

The guidance on visitor restrictions comes from the New Jersey Hospital Association, which developed a color-coded visitation code for the pandemic. The organization placed all of New Jersey under the yellow code Wednesday, which limits visitors at hospitals that accept the guidance.

St. Joseph's Health imposed the following guidelines Friday:

• Only one visitor is allowed at a time, and no visitors are permitted for patients who test positive for COVID-19.
• Exceptions include two visitors allowed for end-of-life care, and two parents or guardians at a time for pediatric patients, unless guidelines for COVID care apply.
• All visitors must have their ID ready to help expedite the process.
• Once a visitor is approved, they will undergo a temperature screening.
• Patients must adhere to social-distancing guidelines and wear a mask at all times.

Read the full policy here.

St. Joseph's network includes St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center, St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Paterson, and St. Joseph's Healthcare and Rehab Center in Cedar Grove.

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