Munson Healthcare is limiting access to its facilities and changing masking policies at hospitals in light of the current COVID-19 surge in northern Michigan. The number of patients with the pandemic virus who have required inpatient care has tripled during the past two weeks.
Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., said the changes again are necessary to ensure the safety of patients and staff as the virus causing the disease surges through the state.
“COVID-19 continues to be a very serious public health threat and as a health system we are here to meet the needs in our communities in terms of patient care,” she said. “We are seeing people in need of care in numbers we have not seen before. We are asking for our communities help.”
New rules on visitation include:
• Obstetrics patients: One birthing partner or support person (must be the same person during the duration of their stay) and one certified doula. Obstetric patients with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis are allowed one visitor, with appropriate personal protective equipment. For first ultrasound of new pregnancy only, one support person is permitted.
• Pediatric patients (21 years of age or younger): May have one adult primary caregiver at a time (such as a parent, foster parent or guardian). It is strongly preferred that the caregiver is the same for the duration of their stay, or visit in outpatient settings. If a NICU patient is a multiple and their sibling (twin, triplet, etc.) is not a NICU patient, the multiple sibling may visit with the primary caregiver. No other siblings under 18 years may visit pediatric patients.
• Patients needing a support person who is essential to the care of the patient/medically necessary: For patients who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments including dementia, or behavioral concerns. For patients who need communication support or assistance due to the specifics of their disability.
• End of life: Up to two visitors per day. Visitors for patients at end of life may be evaluated on a case by case basis, including those under the age of 18. Patients with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis who are at this stage are allowed one visitor, one time, with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Overnight stays: Limited to obstetrics, pediatrics, and extenuating circumstances approved by the care team.
• Individuals performing spiritual care, legal or governmental functions: One spiritual advisor of a patient’s choosing is allowed one visit. Personnel from law enforcement, adult protective services, translators, and other such groups are allowed one at a time.
Some departments, patient populations, clinics and practices require additional precautions so patients are asked to please call ahead.
All approved visitors will also be required to wear a Munson Healthcare-issued mask. These masks ensure there is no variability in the protection provided for patients and staff. Additionally visitors:
- Will be required to answer questions about current health
- Will be required to provide their name and phone number for contact tracing purposes
- Will need to wear a Munson Healthcare-issued mask
- Must go directly to and from patient’s room or to and from their appointment
- Must wash hands or use alcohol sanitizer before and after leaving any rooms as well as the facility
Munson Healthcare waiting rooms and cafeterias will not be available to visitors at this time.
Munson Healthcare urges the community to wear an appropriate mask in public. Wearing a cloth mask or other face covering in public has been scientifically proven to help reduce community spread. The health system continues to work closely with local health departments and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to confront the disease.
The best way to avoid the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to be these practices:
- Wash hands frequently, for 20 seconds with soap, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at 60 percent – 95 percent alcohol
- Cough into a tissue when possible (throw it away immediately) or into your arm if necessary
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose
- Avoid contact with those who are ill
- Stay home from work if ill and keep sick kids home from school
- Wear an appropriate mask
- Avoid contact with other people's hands (handshakes, high fives, and fist bumps can all transfer viruses)
- Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
To learn more about Munson Healthcare preparations, go to munsonhealthcare.org.