Hospital, Nursing Home Visitation On Hold In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to climb in Rhode Island, the state's Department of Health took decisive action this week to help protect the state's most vulnerable populations from the virus.

For the next two weeks, the department urged hospitals to halt all visitation, and for nursing homes to only allow for "compassionate care" visits. These include end-of-life visits, a loved one who is in emotional distress or a patient experiencing weight loss or dehydration. Hospitals should make exceptions for visitors who are essential to a patient's care, such as a partner for a person in labor or a family caregiver for someone with dementia or a developmental disability.

All essential visitors must be COVID-19 symptom-free, and should only happen during specific blocks of time.

The new guidance encourages facilities to help patients find alternatives to in-person visits, such as remotely using a phone, tablet or computer. Facilities are asked to make these technologies available to patients if they have them.

The nursing home recommendations went into effect Tuesday, and the hospital guidance on Monday night. Earlier this week, lifespan announced similar guidance, saying no visitors would be allowed for the time being.

More information is available on the Department of Health's website.

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