LI's Catholic Hospitals Requiring COVID-19 Vax Proof For Visitors

LONG ISLAND, NY — Catholic Health Services of Long Island have added its hospitals to the growing list of medical facilities updating their visitor policy in light of the surge of COVID-19 numbers, by now requiring visitors to show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative PCR/antigen test.

Proof of vaccination is not required to visit the emergency room, but officials said that it may be restricted when the Emergency Department "census does not allow for adequate physical distancing and appropriate COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures," according to the updated policy posted on Wednesday.

If the hospitals do limit visitation, it will be assessed on a daily basis.

The policy goes into effect Thursday at CHSLI's medical facilities including St. Charles in Port Jefferson, St. Catherine of Siena in Smithtown, Good Samaritan in West Islip, St. Joseph's in Bethpage, St. Francis in Roslyn, and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre.

"This is above and beyond current standards as of today (i.e. asymptomatic, temperature check, no known COVID exposures," St. Charles Hospital's updated policy states.

Exceptions to the policy would continue to include visitors of patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities; patients with cognitive impairments, including dementia; patients in imminent end-of-life situations or who need compassionate care; pediatric patients; childbirth; and in other situations as deemed acceptable by the hospital.

Health system officials noted COVID-19 vaccination status is considered "complete" when you have received both doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days prior to the hospital visit. The PCR test also has to be based on a specimen taken within 72 hours of hospital entry, but it can include a home antigen test.