Hospital visitation policies for patients with COVID-19 are highly dynamic and vary significantly based on three factors: the specific healthcare facility, the current level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community, and the patient’s condition. There is no single national mandate governing these visits, meaning a facility’s rules can change daily or differ dramatically from nearby hospitals. This variability requires visitors to proactively check the specific guidelines for the location they intend to visit before traveling.
Visiting Patients with Active COVID
Visitation for patients in isolation due to an active, confirmed COVID-19 infection is subject to stringent restrictions to prevent viral spread. While hospitals generally discourage these visits, they often allow a single designated support person or visitor per day after a careful risk assessment. This limitation helps maintain the integrity of the isolation environment.
The primary requirement for entering a COVID-19 patient’s room is the mandatory and correct use of specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This often includes a gown, gloves, eye protection, and a medical-grade mask, sometimes a fit-tested N95 respirator, to protect against respiratory droplets and aerosols. Hospital staff instruct visitors on the proper technique for donning and doffing this equipment to minimize self-contamination or exposure.
Visitors must remain in the patient’s room for the entire duration of their visit and are strictly prohibited from using common areas, such as waiting rooms or cafeterias. Exceptions are sometimes made for end-of-life situations or for patients with disabilities who require a support person for communication or decision-making. Visits may be temporarily suspended if a patient is receiving aerosolized respiratory treatments, such as BiPAP or CPAP, due to the increased risk of viral particles.
Universal Safety Requirements for All Visitors
All visitors entering a hospital are subject to foundational safety protocols designed to mitigate infectious disease transmission. A mandatory health screening occurs upon entry, involving questions about current symptoms and checking for recent exposure or a positive COVID-19 test within the last 10 days.
The facility’s masking policy varies widely but is often still required in clinical areas. Many hospitals require visitors to wear a medical-grade mask inside patient care units, even if masks are optional in public areas. This reflects the high-risk environment where vulnerable patients are present.
Hand hygiene remains a requirement for all visitors, with hand sanitizer readily available throughout patient care areas. Visitors are generally required to be 18 years of age or older, unless they are a parent of a pediatric patient. These universal protocols protect the patient population and the healthcare workforce from respiratory pathogens.
How to Confirm Hospital and Facility Policies
The most reliable course of action is to verify the current policy directly with the facility before planning a visit. Policies can change rapidly based on internal factors, such as an outbreak on a unit, or external factors like a surge in community transmission rates. Waiting until arrival to learn the policy may result in a denied visit.
The simplest step is to call the hospital’s main information line or the specific patient care unit. Printed signage or website updates can lag behind immediate operational changes, so verbal confirmation is best. Checking the hospital’s official website for a dedicated “Visitor Policy” page also provides a comprehensive overview of current restrictions.
If a physical visit is denied, most facilities offer or facilitate virtual visitation options. These alternatives allow the patient to maintain connection with loved ones without compromising the isolation protocol or placing the visitor at risk of exposure.