Middlesex Hospital easing visitor restrictions related to COVID-19

MIDDLETOWN — Beginning this week, Middlesex Health is lifting some of its visitor restrictions put in place during the coronavirus outbreak.

Due to COVID-19, all service locations have been closed to visitors except for those making compassionate visits. Now, patients will be allowed one visitor at a time, according to a press release. This applies to patients who are hospitalized, those undergoing surgery and patients at the emergency department in Middletown.

Visiting hours at the hospital continue to be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Patients who have, or who are suspected to have, COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors unless it is a compassionate visit, the release continued. Patients at Middlesex

Health outpatient locations, including laboratory and radiology locations, will still not be allowed visitors or support persons at this time.

One MacDonough Place , the assisted living community owned by Middlesex Health, also remains closed to visitors — except for medically necessary visits.

All hospital visitors are being screened at the lobby entrance or the emergency department entrance on Crescent Street when they arrive. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, will not be allowed in the building, the release said.

Visitors must also wear a mask at all times. Patients should wear a mask when someone is in their room with them — whether it be visitors or staff.

Those visiting admitted hospital patients are strongly encouraged to remain in the room of the person they are visiting until they are ready to leave. They should not wander the hospital building.

Those who accompany surgery patients should wait in the operating room waiting area. There is limited seating due to the need for social distancing. If no seats are available, visitors will be required to wait elsewhere. This does not include the cafeteria, lobby or hallways.

Certain departments, such as Behavioral Health and the Pregnancy & Birth Center, have specific rules that may be different than those outlined above.

For all COVID-19 information, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/ ready.

Contributed photo Middlesex Hospital is located on Crescent Street in Middletown.