03/16/2020                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Patients and community members,
Because the health and safety of our patients, team members and communities is our top priority, Wellstar Health System has enhanced our visitation policies to offer the highest protection to those we treat. Please keep in mind that these restrictions are temporary and designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our medical facilities and communities. 
 
• Social visitation is suspended until further notice. Consider alternative methods of communication (i.e. telephone, FaceTime, Skype).
• Children under the age of 18 will not be allowed to visit.
• Only in extenuating circumstances will visitors be allowed and will be limited to one immediate family member or designated care partner.
• Laboring and post-partum women can designate one person for support. If the support person is under 18 years of age an exception may be made.  
• Pediatric patients are allowed a maximum of two parents or designated caregivers.
• Special consideration will be given for patients with critical needs (e.g. end of life).
• No visitors are allowed for people under investigation (PUI) or positive for COVID-19; Visitors with extenuating circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Visitors will not be able to enter our administrative buildings.  Exceptions for vendors essential to clinical care, and suppliers.  
• All allowed visitors will undergo the screening process (see below).  
• All facilities reserve the right to ask any visitors meeting the above requirements to remain outside of treatment areas.  
Screening Process for “Permitted” Visitors:
Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
• We have implemented a protocol to restrict entrances and screen all visitors (see visitor restrictions above) at all Wellstar hospitals, health parks, urgent care centers, ambulatory practices, and long-term care facilities.
• All visitors will be screened for their temperature, review of symptoms and travel history. If health screening results are negative, only visitors who have been deemed allowed according to visitor restrictions may enter the facility.
• All visitors with a positive health screening or travel history (note above) will be denied entrance, to protect our patients and staff.   
• This process is temporary and is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect our patients and team members during this flu season.