(FARMINGTON, MO – August 20, 2020) – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in St. Francois County, Parkland Health Center is reducing the number of in-person visitors — beginning Friday, Aug. 21 — for the health and safety of patients.
“Our primary goal is to keep our patients, families and community safe,” said Parkland Health Center president Annette Schnabel. “As confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise in our community, we are limiting some in-person visitors at Parkland Health Center and at all BJC Medical Group Offices in St. Francois County.”
Visitors will be allowed in the following instances:
- Obstetrics patients – one visitor
- Patients who are at end-of-life – two visitors at a time
- Pediatric patients – two visitors for inpatient; one visitor in the Emergency Department, one visitor for BJC Medical Group office visits
- Outpatient Surgery/Procedure - one designated visitor in the waiting room
- Patients with behavioral health, developmental delays, physical dependencies or altered mental status, for whom a caregiver is integral to care or safety – one visitor
Visitors who meet the exceptions will be screened, and denied entry if they meet any of these criteria:
- They have signs or symptoms of acute illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sudden loss of taste and/or smell, sore throat, body aches, diarrhea or vomiting).
- They have had recent contact (within the last 14 days) with someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. These same exceptions apply for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- Children younger than age 16 will not be permitted except under extraordinary circumstances.
Approved visitors must:
- Be designated to the patient (same visitor throughout the day) except in cases of end of life.
- Remain in the patient’s room for the duration of the visit, with temporary exceptions to visit the cafeteria or restroom, provided they return directly to the patient’s room.
- Undergo temperature and symptom screening upon building entry.
- Wash hands upon entry to the patient’s room or other patient care areas.
- Immediately notify the care team if symptoms of illness develop.
- Comply with masking policy
Patients are encouraged to have Virtual Visitors through phone calls, FaceTime and other virtual methods. If patients are unable to do so on their own, the care team will help facilitate virtual visits through the BJC Virtual Visitor Program.