Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – As cases decrease and the level of community spread is now “Low” based on new CDC guidelines, Warren General Hospital announced it was reinstituting limited visiting hours effective March 4.
Visitors will still have to follow certain COVID protocols such as masking and the number of permitted visitors will still be limited.
“As we start to see changes in the impact of the virus locally, Warren General Hospital will be re-instituting visiting hours on a limited basis,” WGH said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
The reinstituted visiting hours are as follows:
IMSACC /CCU Units 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Behavioral Health 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Maternity 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Patients will be permitted one visitor and one support person during these hours, the hospital said. A maternity patient’s support person will be permitted to remain with the mother throughout the delivery process, regardless of time of day.
“A support person is someone identified to be a patient’s main communicator if they are unable to communicate themselves,” WGH said.
Surgical patients may have one support person with them before and after surgery.
Masks are required for visitors and support persons.
“As a reminder, every person must wear a surgical mask or N 95 mask while on hospital property,” WGH said. “Cloth masks are not considered appropriate in a health care facility.”
Despite the new guidance, hospital staff may modify a patient’s visitor status on a case-by-case basis.
“In each of these situations, the Nursing Supervisor may intervene, on a case by case situation, to modify hours of visitation based on a patient’s illness and need for support,” WGH said.
On Feb. 25, the CDC issued new guidance for tracking community transmission that allowed most of the country to enter into reduced mitigation protocols.
Based on updated CDC guidance, Warren County is in the “Low” level of community spread. Erie, McKean, Forest and Venango Counties are also in the low level, while Crawford and Elk Counties are medium.
“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we continue to provide a safe environment for patients and those caring for your loved ones,” WGH said.
