Mary Washington Healthcare To Implement No Visitor Policy

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Mary Washington Healthcare is not allowing visitors, effective Sunday at 8 p.m., to its facilities, including Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital, in response to concerns about spreading the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, the health care system said Saturday.

The hospital system did make two exceptions. It will allow laboring mothers to have one designated support person during their hospital stay and patients who are minors will be allowed two parents or guardians to remain with the them.

"This unprecedented protocol will be in place until further notice. By taking this step now, the health system hopes to minimize risk to our patients, their families and our healthcare providers," Mary Washington Healthcare said.

Virginia has 30 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of the coronavirus as of March 13. Mary Washington Healthcare said it is collaborating with other local health organizations, like the Rappahannock Area Health District, to monitor the impact of the coronavirus on the Fredericksburg region.

On Wednesday, the Novant Health UVA Health System asked people who are not immediate family members to avoid visiting patients in their medical facilities as a way to help control the spread of the coronavirus. The restrictions apply to Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center, Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center, Novant Health UVA Health System Culpeper Medical Center, and Novant Health UVA Health System Caton Merchant House.

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The Inova Health System also has made changes to its hospital visitor policy related to the coronavirus. On Thursday, the hospital and health care system began prohibiting visitors for patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 or patients with active respiratory illness. The restrictions apply even to visitors who are healthy.

For other patients at Inova facilities, visiting hours are restricted to two times each day — 10 a.m. to noon and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Only two visitors per patient are allowed at any time. Inova also recommended visitors under 18 do not enter its facilities.

SEE ALSO:
Coronavirus-Related Restrictions Placed On Novant Health Visitors
New Coronavirus Prompts Visitor Restrictions At Inova Hospitals
Virginia State Of Emergency Declared: What Does That Mean?