With the number of coronavirus cases increasing in eastern Iowa MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton won't be allowing visitors starting Thursday, July 30.
“This decision is not easy, but necessary for the protection of our patients, their families, the communities we serve and our workforce,” the healthcare system said in a media release.
The hospital says some visitor exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances:
- Children admitted to the hospital
- Maternity units
- Patients receiving end-of-life care
For approved exceptions, only one visitor per patient per day will be allowed. They must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Either immediate family members, powers of attorney, guardians or patient representatives
- Healthy with no symptoms of illness, including respiratory or fever
All approved visitors will be screened at the entrance and will be required to wear a mask.
For patients receiving care at MercyOne clinics and provider offices, a support person will be allowed to accompany the patient in certain circumstances, such as when the patient needs support with ambulation, is in critical condition, or the support person is the designated driver or caregiver post-procedure.