Local hospitals announce new restrictions to visitor policies

KETTERING — Two major health networks in the Miami Valley have announced new restrictions to visitor polices.

Kettering Health Network announced changes to its visitor policy that go into effect tonight at 12:01 a.m.

According to the health network, current patients and patients coming in for an emergency department visit, hospitalization or outpatient procedure will no longer be able to have visitors.

There are exceptions to the policy including:

• Patients coming for a physician office visit may have one visitor
• Patients who require assistance due to mobility, interpretation or health care decision-making may have one additional assistance person.
• Minor patients (under 18 years old) may have two visitors, limited to only one parent or guardian at a time.
• End-of-Life care situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis

Premier Health also announced their update on visitor polices which went to effect on November 18.

According to a spokesperson for the health network, patients are permitted one support visitor a day, but they must be screened for symptoms and exposure history.

Visitors who refuse a COVID-19 screening will be prohibited from visiting.

All visitors to Premier Health hospitals must wear a mask.

No support persons/visitors will be permitted for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases except in circumstances involving end of life or hospice care.

Cox Media Group