Novant Loosens Visitor Policy At Manassas, Haymarket Hospitals

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Novant Health UVA Health System expanded its visitor policy to allow for limited visitation in its emergency departments, inpatient areas and surgical areas. The updated visitation policy applies to the Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center in Manassas as well as Novant's hospitals in Haymarket and Culpeper.

Each patient will be allowed one healthy visitor over the age of 18. Visitors will need to get their temperature taken and pass coronavirus screening questions each time they enter a Novant Health UVA Health System facility. Visitors also will be required to wear a mask and a wristband given to them during screening.

“While the safety of our team members, patients and community remains our top priority, we recognize the important role friends and family play in supporting the health of our patients,” said Al Pilong, chief executive officer, Novant Health UVA Health System.

Visitors will be required to remain with the patient while in the facility. If the patient leaves the department for medical imaging or other testing, the visitor should remain in the patient’s assigned room or return to their vehicle until the patient returns. Common areas and waiting areas are off-limits, and cafeterias are currently closed to visitors.

Pilong said the decision to expand visitation is in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in coordination with recommendations from the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

“While Novant Health UVA Health System is currently safe and open to provide patients with the care they need, we will continue to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities, the census at our medical centers and our health system’s supply of personal protective equipment to ensure that we are prepared for any potential surge in positive cases,” Pilong said. “We will adjust visitation restrictions as needed in the future.”

Visiting hours for hospitals’ inpatient care areas are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit at Prince William Medical Center remains closed to visitors. Visitors are also not allowed in outpatient areas with the following exceptions:

• Minors or adults requiring guardianship can be accompanied by one designated adult.
• With approval of the care teams, patients may bring one healthy adult support person for special circumstances such as appointments with provider to discuss test results or plan of care in provider-based clinics or outpatient clinics.
• Expectant mothers may bring one healthy adult support person with them to obstetrical ultrasound appointments.