Visitor restrictions tighten at Providence St. Mary

WALLA WALLA-Providence St. Mary has tightened up visitor restrictions due to a recent surge in Walla Walla County COVID-19 cases.

Guided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, Providence St. Mary Medical Center (PSSMC) has reduced the number of visitors a hospitalized patient may see. The changes went into effect on Monday, November 9. One visitor per day will be allowed. Multiple visitors a day are temporarily prohibited.

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 may be allowed one essential visitor or support person, with permission granted on a case-by-case basis. Visitors will be provided proper personal protective equipment (PPE) upon entering the facility; however, due to the expense of the extensive PPE required around contagious COVID-19 patients, once the visitor leaves the room, they will not be able to return that day.

There are certain exceptions to the one-visitor rule:

• Minors under the age of 18 may have two visitors, one of which must be parents or guardians.

• Patients whose physicians have determined they may pass within 12-24 hours may have two visitors, rotating in and out, plus a clergy.

• Patients in critical condition awaiting transfer to another facility may have two visitors

• Women in childbirth may have a doula leading up to, and during, their birth, in addition to their support person/visitor.

Visitors must be over the age of 16 and are required to wear a mask during the entire visit. Masks are required for visitors in all patient rooms. Providence St. Mary asks that visitors limit their movement around the facility, go directly to the patent's room, and remain there until the visit is finished. Visitors are asked to immediately leave the building once the visit is concluded. Visitors/support people who refuse to follow safety protocols, including masks, will be required to leave.

Providence St. Mary is encouraging patients to utilize virtual visit options. Phone calls and video chats are the preferred visitation methods, and PSSMC can provide tablets and assistance for those without devices upon request.

Everyone is asked to practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer frequently.