Premier Heath updates visitor policies as COVID-19 cases rise

MIAMI VALLEY — Premier Health has updated its visitor policy as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.

Starting Monday, Aug. 23, all visitors entering any hospital or facility must wear a face mask, including in private patient rooms, according to a release from Premier.

The updated policy comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. On Aug. 19, Ohio reported 3,446 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, which is higher the 21-day average of 2,140 cases. There were also 170 new hospitalizations reported in the last 24 hours.

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Here are the visitor restrictions:

• In non-COVID patient rooms, hospitalized patients are allowed one support person or visitor per day.
• Emergency room patients may also have one support person or visitor.
• Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will be permitted one visitor per day for one hour
• Those visiting a facility for outpatient testing, such as routine X-rays and lab studies, will not be allowed a visitor unless one is required for mobility, language, cognitive or other assistance.
• Maternity patients are allowed two support persons for all stages.
• Maternity patients that are COVID-19 positive are allowed one support person, but that person must stay in the room.
• Patients going to office visits are allowed one support person or visitor. If necessary, a patient may bring an additional caretaker to provide for mobility, language, cognitive or other assistance

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A complete list of visitor restrictions can be found at premierhealth.com.

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