South Iowa News

Monroe County Hospital issued the following announcement on September 21.

Monroe County Hospital & Clinics (MCHC) is committed to the safety of our patients, visitors, colleagues, physicians, and the communities we serve. Visitor restrictions are updated as needed to help protect the safety of patients, colleagues, and community.

Effective September 21, 2021 patients are allowed up to one (1) visitor per calendar day. You may not visit more than one patient, unless approved by administration. Visitor hours are between 7:00am and 7:00pm each day.

One (1) visitor is allowed with COVID-19 positive or person under investigation patients. Visitor must be from the same household and must be at least 12 years of age.

Exceptions are permitted for patients meeting certain or compassionate care criteria:

• Children (minor) admitted to the hospital
• Patients receiving end-of-life care
• Developmentally/Cognitively Impaired adults

* If visiting a COVID-19 positive or person under investigation patient, personal protective equipment (PPE) will be offered.

All visitors are required to:

• Be at least 12 years of age, with the exception of extenuating circumstances, such as end-of-life.
• Be free of signs of illness and will be screen for symptoms of COVID-19 upon entry to our facility.
• Adhere to COVID-19 precautionary guidelines including proper hand hygiene and mandatory masking at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
• Stay in their respective patient’s room, as appropriate, and only be outside of this area during entrance, exit, or if food is obtained from the cafeteria, gift shop or vending.
• All visitors’ masks should always remain on while in the patient’s room.
• During some procedures, visitors may be asked to leave.

We do recognize the patient support from a family member or friend contributes to patient experience, safety, and healing. We desire to balance these important elements with the need to protect patients, and colleagues from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. As changes occur with our policy, based on our community needs, we encourage you to phone, video conference and stay in touch with your loved one.

As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

  – If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Disinfect surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

At MCHC, we are following guidance provided by the CDC and IDPH to screen all who enter MCHC for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as the patient’s travel history and exposure to those who have traveled. This screening process includes all who enter our facility. Masks are required, always, regardless of vaccination status.

Original source can be found here.