« Important COVID-19 Announcements

For the safety of our patients and team members, visitor limitations are currently in place at all Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals and nursing and rehabilitation facilities.

Hospital & Same Day Surgery Patient-Centered Visitation Guidelines:

• Patients are allowed one visitor at a time, unless the patient is a minor (both parents or guardians are permitted). Exceptions will be made in special circumstances as determined by the facility.
• Visitation to COVID-19 patients is by appointment only. These appointments will need to be scheduled and coordinated through the patient’s care team.
• All visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
• Visitors are allowed from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., with the exception of the Emergency Department where visiting hours are 24 / 7.
• Visitors are allowed to wear their own facemasks. If they do not have one, they will be provided with the appropriate PPE and masks and instructed on how to wear them.
  • If visitor refuses to wear a mask or requested PPE, they will be asked to leave the facility.
  • Visitors must wear facemasks at all times within the facility.
• Visitors must undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entering the facility. If they fail the screening, they will not be allowed to enter.
• Visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient. Sanitizing foam or gel will be available.
• Visitors must remain in the patient’s room (or Emergency Department bay) as much as possible throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital staff to leave for specific procedures.
• Visitors may use the cafeteria and other amenities available to patients.
• Visitors may not be present during procedures, or in the recovery room, except for:
  • Pediatrics
  • Childbirth
  • Patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability
• For same day surgeries or procedures, patients are allowed one support person.
  • The support person may remain with the patient through initial intake and may rejoin the patient for the discharge process.
• Visitors may wait for the patient in the hospital’s designated waiting area, while the patient is having his/her procedure.
• 6 ft. social distancing must be maintained in any common areas such as waiting rooms, lobbies, cafeterias, etc.
• Outpatients may be accompanied by one adult.

Nursing & Rehabilitation Visitation Guidelines:

• Outdoor visitation is allowed by appointment only
• Visitors are not allowed indoors past reception
• Masks or face coverings are required
• All persons must remain at least 6 feet apart
• Each patient is limited to 2 visitors at a time
• Food is not permitted
• Staff must remain with the patient during the visit
• Visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 (including a fever of 100°F or more) will not be permitted
• Restrooms are not available for visitors
• Visitation should be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather or based on operational needs.
• Visitation is not permitted for patients who are suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Visitors with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home to protect the safety of our patients and team members. You will not be allowed to enter the facility.

• Fever or chills
• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Please contact the Office of Patient Experience at your hospital if you have additional needs for extended visitation. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Visitors will not be tested for COVID-19. Visitors will also need to provide their contact information in the event that tracing becomes necessary. Phone and video calls to patients are welcome and encouraged.

To reduce the number of people in waiting areas and our hospitals, partners in care and family members will be contacted via phone by the patient’s care team.