Hospital visitation policies and COVID rules in South Florida

As COVID hospitalizations climb in South Florida, local health care systems are tightening rules once again on allowing visitors and requiring masks, social distancing, and other guidelines from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Here are the current policies at South Florida’s major hospitals. It is advised to call to verify requirements before visiting any rehabilitation center or health care facility.

Broward Health: Current risk level is Yellow. No visitation for COVID-positive patients. One designated visitor 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily for COVID-negative patients. Virtual visits are encouraged whenever possible. Visitors should arrive at the hospital wearing a face covering from home and wear it for the entirety of the visit. Guests who arrive without a mask will be provided one. Social distancing and hand hygiene are required. browardhealth.org.

Cleveland Clinic Florida: Visitation suspended for all COVID-positive patients at its five Florida hospitals. Two visitors, ages 18-up, allowed daily for COVID-negative patients. Masks are required for patients and visitors, even if vaccinated. To help, visitors are asked to maintain physical distancing, and limit the number of items they bring with them. Visitation hours are 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. my.clevelandclinic.org.

HCA Healthcare: Patients are limited to one adult visitor (age 18 and over) between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Operating room patients may have one overnight adult visitor throughout the duration of their stay. Visitors are not permitted for COVID patients. All visitors and staff must wear face masks at all times. Heightened infection prevention policies are in place, including the removal of high-touch items such as magazines, toys and vending machines from the facilities. Food and drinks are prohibited in clinical units to prevent the spread of illness. hcaeastflorida.com

Holy Cross Health, a member of Trinity Health: One visitor per patient, per day, is allowed between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All visitors must wear a mask; those who do not wear masks will be escorted off the premises. Visitation in the COVID areas is restricted. Virtual family visitations can be scheduled by nursing units. holy-cross.com.

Memorial Health System: Broward County’s risk level is currently at High Risk. No visitors allowed into the emergency department or outpatient clinics. Only one visitor per patient into the main hospital and intensive care units. Critical-care COVID patients are allowed one compassionate visitation for one hour at a specific time. All visitors will be screened for temperature and symptoms and must wear a properly-fitting mask throughout the visit. Visitors must remain within the patient room and should not visit the cafeteria, gift shop, or other common areas of the hospital. mhs.net/patients-visitors.

Tenet Health: Only one designated visitor for hospital patients. One visitor for all emergency room patients. Two visitors for all pediatric patients. These visitation guidelines are limited to intensive care units and do not apply to specific areas of the hospitals where COVID patients are being cared for, which remain restricted. Throughout the hospitals are designated COVID-safe and COVID-care zones, with clear signage and protocols for each. Valet services are not available. goodsamaritanmc.com.

Baptist Health: Visiting hours vary by location and are subject to change. For the health and safety of patients and staff, no visitors are allowed to accompany patients in the hospital or emergency department. All visitors must be 18 or older and will be screened. Anyone displaying COVID symptoms will not be allowed to visit. Masks are required to be worn at all times at all facilities, and will be provided upon entry. Visitors must follow social distancing guidelines. baptisthealth-coronavirus.com.

HCA Healthcare: Patients are limited to one adult visitor (age 18 and over) between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Operating room patients may have one overnight adult visitor throughout the duration of their stay. Visitors are not permitted for COVID patients. All visitors and staff must wear face masks at all times. Heightened infection prevention policies are in place, including the removal of high-touch items such as magazines, toys and vending machines from the facilities. Food and drinks are prohibited in clinical units to prevent the spread of illness. hcaeastflorida.com.

Tenet Health: Only one designated visitor for hospital patients. One visitor for all emergency room patients. Two visitors for all pediatric patients. These visitation guidelines are limited to intensive care units and do not apply to specific areas of the hospitals where COVID patients are being cared for, which remain restricted. Throughout the hospitals are designated COVID-safe and COVID-care zones, with clear signage and protocols for each. Valet services are not available. goodsamaritanmc.com.