FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2021

Lewis County Health System to Begin Limited Inpatient Visitation

on Monday, March 22
LOWVILLE, NY─ Effective Monday, March 22, 2021, Lewis County Health System will begin allowing
limited inpatient visitation. This does not apply to the Residential Health Care Facility which has its own
visitation guidelines. All guidelines are available on the health system’s coronavirus information page at
www.lcgh.net/coronavirus.

Every visitor/support person will be screened for temperature, COVID-19-related symptoms, must wear a mask,
and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as determined by the facility based upon CDC Guidelines
and the Department of Health recommendations. Visitors who fail to wear a face mask and other PPE will be
asked to leave the facility.

We understand having the support of a loved one helps in the healing process. The guidelines below are
designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure a safe environment for patients, families, visitors, and
health care workers, while permitting expanded, but still limited, visitation. In rare exceptions and under
special circumstances, modifications may be made on an individual basis.

The updated Visitor Guidelines and Information are listed below:

HOSPITAL
• ONE VISITOR PER DAY PER PATIENT can visit a patient between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Visitors must enter the facility using the Emergency Department entrance.

• All visitors must be at least 18 years of age.

• Visitors will only be permitted to go to the patient’s room, visit with the patient and then exit the hospital.

• Once in the facility, the visitor must remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit except when asked by
hospital staff to step out as needed for the care of the patient.

• Visitors may not be present during procedures nor in the recovery room except for pediatrics, childbirth, and
patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability.

• VISITATION is not permitted for COVID-19 patients. Exceptions may be made for end-of-life visits and must
be arranged with the nursing supervisor.

- next page –
AMBULATORY (ELECTIVE) SURGERY UNIT
• One support person can accompany a patient

• Ambulatory Surgery patients and their support person may enter through the Lobby or Emergency Department
entrances.

• The support person may remain with the patient through the initial intake process and may rejoin the patient for
the discharge process. The support person may not be present during procedures nor in the recovery room except
for pediatrics, childbirth, and patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability.

MATERNITY UNIT
• ONE SUPPORT person can accompany a patient throughout their stay.

• The support person must enter the facility using the Emergency Department entrance and go directly to the
patient’s room.

• Once in the facility, the support person is encouraged to stay for the duration, however, in certain circumstances
can leave and return.

• The support person must remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit except when directed by hospital staff
to step out as needed for the care of the patient.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
• One support person can accompany a patient.

• Once in the ED, the support person must remain in the patient’s room, except when asked by hospital staff to step
out as needed for the care of the patient. Please note: If the support person voluntarily leaves the ED for any
reason, they will not be allowed to come back in nor will anyone be allowed to take their place.

• No visitors are allowed in the ED waiting area.

RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY

• The Residential Health Care Facility (RHCF) is currently not allowing in person visitation, per the New York
State Department of Health guidelines. There has been no new onset of positive COVID nineteen test results for
residents and one positive staff member. The facility will not be able to start in person visits until they have had
fourteen days without a new onset of positive test results.

• The facility is currently scheduling window, compassion, and end of life visits.

• The complete RHCF guidelines are available on the health system’s coronavirus information page at
www.lcgh.net/coronavirus.

Lewis County Health System thanks you for your cooperation and support as we look out for the safety of our
patients, residents, staff, and community.

###