Kettering Health Network joins area hospitals in implementing visitor restrictions

DAYTON — Visitor restrictions are being implemented for area hospitals, according to a release from the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association and now the Kettering Health Network has decided to implement the policy as well.

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This means no one who is ill with seasonal flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including: shortness of breath, coughing, fever, chills, headache, vomiting, sore throat, muscle aches or diarrhea may visit a hospital.

No one under 14 may visit a hospital.

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Patients will be allowed one visitor a day, and visitation will be only allowed by spouses, significant others, parents or legal guardians.

Emergency department patients may have one support person, OB patients may have one partner and one birth support person.

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Surgical or procedural patients may have one visitor.

Patients who require assistance due to mobility, interpretation or healthcare decision making may have one additional assistance person.

“Implementing stronger visitor restrictions and limiting the number of visitors allowed into hospital facilities is a necessary measure.” Sarah Hackenbracht, President and CEO of GDAHA said in a written statement.

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“COVID-19 is in Ohio and likely in our region. Hospitals must ensure they can keep unnecessary contamination away from patients whose immune systems are compromised. It is also important to help keep our doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel healthy so that they can take care of the patients throughout the duration of this pandemic.”

When visiting a patient, visitors will be asked to primarily remain in the room with the patient.