Health & Fitness

Allegheny Health Network Limits Hospital Visitors Due To COVID-19

Allegheny Health Network is reinstating visitor restrictions for patients because of the latest coronavirus surge.

(Jenna Fisher/Patch)

PITTSBURGH, PA — The latest surge in COVID-19 cases has prompted the Allegheny Health Network to resume temporary restrictions on patient visitations.

Until further notice, network medical facilities are allowing just one inpatient visitor during regular hospital visitation hours of 9 a.m.-9 p.m. The visitor or support person can't change throughout the day.

Visitors must be 18 or older, wear a mask and present a valid identification upon entering any of the facilities. Visitors also will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.

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“With the emergence of the highly infectious Delta and Omicron variants, COVID-19 is once again spreading rapidly throughout every community we serve and filling our hospital beds,” Dr.
Brian Parker, The network's chief quality and learning officer, said in a new release.

"It is essential that we continue to take every measure that we can to protect our patients and caregivers from this virus, and we greatly appreciate the support and cooperation of our patients’ loved ones with those efforts, including limited visitation privileges at this time.”

Clergy visitation is permitted in addition to the one support person. Other exceptions that could be made include:

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• Labor and Delivery

• Neonatal Intensive Care Units

• Pediatrics

• End of Life Care

• Emergency Department

• Surgery, outpatient diagnostic and ambulatory services

• Patients who have an intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disability, communication barrier, or behavioral concerns or those with a physical disability

• Patients being discharged to help receive discharge instructions.

The network recommends digital or virtual visits for other family members and friends who want to stay in touch with relatives.

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