Vidant Medical Center Adjusts Visitation Restrictions in Emergency Department | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Greenville, NC     As Vidant Health continues to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic across North Carolina, we are taking steps to ensure the safety of all. Vidant remains vigilant with its screening process for all visitors, entry requirements and visitor restrictions by department.

    In response to increased community spread and the heightened risk of hospitalization posed by the Delta variant, Vidant Medical Center is adjusting its visitation policy in the Emergency Department. To ensure the safety of patients, families and team members, effective 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, visitors will not be allowed in the ED lobby or waiting areas. ED patients can have one healthy adult visitor screened and masked at all times once the patient has been placed into a room, as long as the patient is not COVID positive.

    It remains vitally important that community members continue to practice safety measures such as washing hands, wearing a mask and avoiding large gatherings.

Visitor Screening Process:

1. Have you tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days or waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test?
2. Have you had close contact with a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
3. Have you had any of these symptoms in the past 48 hours:
   • Fever or chills
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body aches
   • Headache
   • New loss of taste of smell
   • Sore throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
   • Any other symptoms of illness

    If yes to any of the above — Visitor may not enter

Entry Requirements:

1. Temperature check: Temperature must be under 100°F degrees.
2. Masking: Wear mask at all times in the building. Screeners will provide you a hospital mask if you do not have one. Cloth masks are permitted.
3. Hand washing: Visitors must gel or use hand sanitizer on entry.
4. Social distancing: Avoid close contact with others.
5. Limit personal belongings during your visit.
6. Limit your visit to the patient room, and kindly do not go elsewhere in the hospital except for the Café.

    This is an evolving situation and Vidant continues to monitor the spread and examine local data, including COVID-19 cases in our region and in hospitals, and will adjust visitation restrictions accordingly.

    Vidant strongly encourages visitors to consider virtual visitation options such as FaceTime and phone calls. Assistance with virtual visits, including iPads for patients without the necessary technology, is available on request. Virtual visitation is the safest way to stay connected with a loved one.

    Patients should limit their belongings to a few key items and refer to the below tips:

• Bring your phone, tablet or other electronic device to connect with family members
• Limit clothing to clean undergarments and one outfit for discharge
• Wear or pack non-slip shoes

    For the latest information on Vidant's visitor restrictions, please visit VidantHealth.com/VisitingVidant

• Contact: Brian Wudkwych
•     brian.wudkwych@vidanthealth.com