« Important COVID-19 Announcements

Hackensack Meridian Health hospital visitation policies follow the recommendations from the New Jersey Hospital Association. The guidelines establish color codes based upon the risk of COVID-19 spread, the number of COVID-19 patients and hospital staffing and equipment levels.

As of December 10, 2020, all HMH hospitals are in the risk Level Red meaning visitation currently is suspended with limited exceptions. Visitation guidelines are updated weekly by NJHA.

Keeping Families Connected

While in-person visitation is restricted, HMH is committed to keeping our patients connected to their loved ones during their stay through our Keeping Families Connected Program. Staff at the hospital’s  Office of Patient Experience can help you receive updates and arrange phone and video calls. While your loved one is with us, we will ensure you connect with them safely.

We are sensitive to the separation this restriction causes our patients and their loved ones, but we believe this measure of protection is essential to keep people safe. The health and safety of our patients, their families and our team members remain a top priority.

Please see the definitions below for more information related to the risk levels, and visitation restrictions and exceptions.

Risk Level Definitions

Level Red [Current Level]

A red level restricts in-person visitation, with limited exceptions and requirements, including:

• pediatrics,
• labor and delivery,
• end of life,
• and patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities.

NOTE:  All visitor exceptions must be approved by the care team, and must follow requirements on masking, symptom screening and other precautions.

Level Yellow

A level yellow limits the number of allowed visitors to one visitor per inpatient admission with exceptions and requirements:

• Visitation is suspended for COVID-19 patients, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
• Visitation is suspended for those who are immunocompromised, except for circumstances approved by the care team. The definition for immunocompromised patients includes:
  • Patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer
  • Patients within one year of receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant
  • Patients who have undergone solid organ transplant and who are still receiving anti-rejection medications
  • Patients with untreated HIV infection with CD4 T lymphocyte count < 200
  • Patients with combined primary immunodeficiency disorder
  • Patients who are receiving prednisone >20mg/day for more than 14 days

Level Green

A level green is a lower level of COVID-19 risk and permits visitation, with some exceptions and requirements as follows:

• Visitation is suspended for COVID-19 patients, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
• Visitation is suspended for those who are immunocompromised, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
• Other patients may have two visitors at a time. They must follow requirements on masking, symptom screening and other precautions.

Exceptions and Requirements

All exceptions must be approved by the care team.

The policy also includes the following requirements for hospital visitors:

• All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, except for exceptions approved by the care team.
• All visitors must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Bandanas, gaiters, or masks with exhalation valves are not permitted because they don’t provide sufficient protection.
• All visitors must undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entering the hospital.
• All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.
• Once in the hospital, visitors must remain in the patient’s room (or emergency department bay) throughout the visit, except when directed otherwise by hospital staff.
• All visitors must comply with hospital requirements to minimize the potential spread of infection.
• *Exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities.

REFERENCE: 

NJHA Visitation Policy Process

Reaching Our Hospitals