Rome Memorial Hospital restricts visitors

ROME, N.Y. » Rome Memorial Hospital announced on Friday that they are restricting visitors in order to help fight against coronavirus.

In an effort to protect vulnerable nursing home residents, who are most at risk of suffering from complications from the COVID-19 virus, New York State is prohibiting visitation at all nursing homes, with limited exceptions.

As of March 12th, there were 325 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York state, including one resident from neighboring Herkimer County, according to the New York State Department of Health.

“We recognize that the state mandate will be difficult for our residents who look forward to seeing their friends and family. However, public health officials feel these measures are essential to protect our residents now that the virus is spreading within the state and country,” Rome Memorial Hospital Residential Health Care Facility Administrator Anthony Joseph said in a news release.

According to the news release, to further protect residents, all staff who enter the Residential Health Care Facility will wear a surgical mask at all times while on the third floor. In those limited cases where visitation will be permitted, visitors must also wear protective gear. The nursing home will work with families on a case-bycase basis.

Rome Memorial Hospital has also implemented additional visitor restrictions in the hospital’s acute care units.

Effective immediately, visitors must be 14 or older. A maximum of one visitor is allowed at any one time. The Maternity Department

is restricting visitors to one significant other or birthing coach. In the acute care units, visits should last no more than two hours.

“We are asking for everyone’s cooperation and understanding of the increased need for visitor restrictions,” said Director of Infection Prevention Emma Ingalls, RN. “If you are ill, please don’t visit our patients and put them or our staff at risk. The most important

“In addition to the standard preventative measures, we are encouraging people to practice social distancing. Avoid crowded places and maintain a distance of six feet from others when possible.” — Director of Infection Prevention Emma Ingalls, RN.

thing people can do to slow the spread of any contagious disease is stay home when you’re sick”

“We are continuing to encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their families at home and at work,” Ingalls said. “In addition to the standard preventative measures, we are encouraging people to practice social distancing. Avoid crowded places and maintain a distance of six feet from others when possible.” Remember to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.