Know before you go: NE WI hospitals COVID-19 visitor policies & guidelines

(WFRV) – As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the state, many Northeast Wisconsin hospitals are either prolonging or adding visitor policies and guidelines to help enhance safety among patients and healthcare workers.

Below you can find an ongoing list of COVID-19 visitor policies and guidelines implemented in area hospitals.

Bellin Health Hospitals:

In an attempt to reduce COVID-19 transmission and increase safety in its hospitals, Bellin Health has established the following visitor guidelines and policies:

Visitors must be screened upon arrival
Visitors will need to wear a mask at all times
Patients who don’t need a support person, are asked to come alone
Visitors should self-monitor prior to arrival

Bellin Health officials say visitors who are unable to tolerate a face covering will not be allowed to visit and those that are ill, are currently experiencing COVID symptoms, or have had COVID-19 in the past 14 days should not visit in person as well.

For more information about COVID-19, vaccines, testing, visitor restrictions, and updates, click here.

HSHS Hospitals:

As COVID-19 and the rapid spread of omicron continue to impact communities, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) in Wisconsin is working to control the spread by updating visitor policies scheduled to take effect on Friday, Jan 7.

Visitor policies will affect all HSHS hospitals in Green Bay, Sheboygan, and Oconto Falls. HSHS officials note that these policies and guidelines are in place for all visitors regardless of vaccination status.

The updated visitor policies are as follows:

Emergency department patients may have one support person who is required to be in the patient room at all times; extenuating circumstances will be evaluated.
Patients nearing end-of-life will have special arrangements made on a case-by-case basis.
All outpatient services patients may have one person with them during a test/procedure and must remain in designated area at all times; if patient becomes admitted, rules of that admission unit then apply.
Patients having surgery may have one support person that remains in designated area at all times.
Pediatric patients under the age of 18 may have two parents or guardians present.
Obstetrical patients may have one support person and Doula support.

In addition, healthcare officials say all visitors will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure upon entering the facility. Visitors who have any of the following symptoms or are not feeling well will not be allowed to visit:

Fever (greater than 100.0 F) or chills
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough
Sore throat
Loss of sense of taste or smell
Exposure in the past 10 days to a person confirmed to have COVID-19
If the visitor had COVID-19 he/she may not come to the hospital until 10 days after onset of symptoms or positive COVID-19 test AND at least 24 hours fever free with improvement in symptoms

All visitors approved for entry into the hospital(s) will also need to abide by the following guidelines:

Visitors must wear a surgical-grade facemask that covers the nose and mouth at all times.
- Cloth masks are not permitted. Surgical-grade masks will be made available to those who do not have one.
- A face shield is not acceptable in place of a mask.
Visitors must Use hand sanitizer to clean hands upon entering the hospital, entering a patient room and prior to exiting a patient room.
Visitors must Remain in the patient room or in space designated by a hospital colleague.

The updated visitor policies are also available for reference on all of the hospitals’ websites:

For more information about COVID-19, vaccines, testing, visitor restrictions, and updates, click here.

ThedaCare:

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, ThedaCare hospitals have been quick to increase visitor policies and guidelines in an attempt to keep their communities safe.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have monitored and proactively adjusted our plans, following guidance from health organizations, to create the safest environment possible for everyone in our facilities,” said Dr. Michael Hooker, ThedaCare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care.

Now, as COVID-19 are rising cases across the state, ThedaCare health officials are once again reminding patients and staff of the visitor policies and guidelines set in place. The hospitals that will continue abiding by these restrictions include hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca, and Wild Rose.

The following specific restrictions will remain in place at hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose:

No visitors for COVID-positive patients, except limited, approved, pre-arranged visitation for end of life. Those situations will be pre-arranged through care teams.
For Family Birth Care, visitors will be strictly limited to one essential person throughout the entire stay. No children are allowed.
Non-COVID patients may have one visitor at a time during normal visiting hours. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room. If there is more than one visitor present, additional visitors will be asked to leave.
One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
Adult patients who need care may enter with their children if childcare cannot be arranged. Children over the age of two must be masked at all times.
Please do not visit, or accompany patients, if you are experiencing common COVID-19 symptoms, including: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, etc.
Visitors who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or do not comply with masking guidelines, will be asked to leave.

One of the biggest changes is that non-COVID patients can have one visitor at a time, as opposed to previously not being able to have any visitors.

Additional details about other ThedaCare Locations are as follows:

ThedaCare Hospitals and Surgery Centers
- No visitors for COVID-positive patients.
- Non-COVID patients may have two visitors at a time during normal visiting hours.
- Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room.
- Anyone under the age of 12 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances.
ThedaCare Clinics
- Two parents/guardians are allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
- Adult patients who need care may enter with their children if childcare cannot be arranged. Children over the age of two must be masked at all times.
- Patients and guests must wear a mask throughout their visit.
The Heritage, Peabody Manor and Juliette Manor
- Visitors are permitted.
- For the protection of residents, limited visitors are recommended.
- Visitors will be screened and masks are required.
- All visits must occur in resident rooms or designated area.
- Do not visit if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
ThedaCare Emergency Departments
- COVID-19 or Respiratory Symptoms
  - Two parents/guardians are allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
  - Visitors should speak with the patient’s clinical team if the patient requires additional assistance.
- Other ED Patients
  - Two visitors are allowed to accompany a patient. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room.
Regional Cancer Center
- Patients may bring two visitors with them to their appointments and/or treatment at any of our Cancer Care locations.
- Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room for duration of the visit.
- Anyone under the age of 12 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances.