Columbus Regional Hospital announced Monday that it will implement visitor restrictions at the hospital starting next week due an increase in cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza.

The visitor restrictions, which will go into effect Dec. 30, will limit each patient to two visitors ages 18 and up at a time, CRH said. Visitors may rotate in most cases, although special exceptions may apply depending on patient circumstance or unit/department requirements.

Visitation hours remain unchanged and are subject to unit and department discretion and requirements. However, changes may be made in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the care team

The county healthcare system said it is implementing the measures to better protect patients, workforce and visitors.

CRH also will be implementing the following guidelines:

Visitors with symptoms suggestive of illness (including, but not limited to cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea, tiredness, headache or vomiting) should not be allowed to visit and will be respectfully asked to leave for the safety of our patients and staff.

Visitors may be asked to wear a mask in patient rooms when required.

Birthing Center and Pediatrics/Women & Children’s Patients must identify, upon arrival, one primary support person to be present while in labor, and no more than four additional individuals who will be permitted visitation rights.

For Level 2 Nursery, only the two individuals with an ID band matching the infant band will be permitted to visit.
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