Visitation Guidelines   

Visitation Guidelines

As of September 28, 2023, Hackensack Meridian Health is requiring all patients, visitors and staff wear masks at:

  • Carrier Clinic
  • Jersey Shore University Medical Center
  • JFK University Medical Center
  • Palisades Medical Center
  • Ocean University Medical Center
  • Old Bridge Medical Center
  • Riverview Medical Center
  • Southern Ocean Medical Center

This decision was made due to an increase in COVID-19 prevalence in these communities. The health and safety of our team members and patients has always been and continues to be our number one priority.

Masking is strongly encouraged at all other Hackensack Meridian Health facilities. Please note, there are some instances when wearing a mask is still required:

  • When isolation precautions (aka transmission-based precautions) are in place (ex. confirmed or suspected COVID-19, flu, etc.);
  • Upon request by the patient or the patient’s representative;
  • Specific areas of the hospital/facility where highly vulnerable patients are receiving care (e.g. NICU);
  • When a patient is experiencing respiratory symptoms (i.e. coughing, difficulty breathing, sneezing, or nasal congestion);
  • After exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Masks are available at all Hackensack Meridian Health locations. Patients, visitors or team members who would like to continue wearing a mask where masking is optional are free to do so.

Hackensack Meridian Health’s masking guidance may change based on COVID-19 prevalence, and we will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity. Click here for more information.

It is recommended that you plan your hospital visit by calling in advance and listening for any visitation limitations or changes in masking guidance. We continue to limit or restrict visitation in high risk areas, in collaboration with the clinical team. The Office of Patient Experience is available to assist or you may email consumerservices@hmhn.org and note the name of the hospital visitation you are inquiring about.

We recognize the importance of having loved ones, friends and family at the bedside during the healing process. Please connect with your local patient experience office and ask about our Care Companion program - a program designed to Keep Families Connected.

Remember, we are all in this together. Our health care team will treat your loved one with respect and courtesy. Please treat our caregivers with respect and courtesy as we are partners in caring for your loved one. The mission for our team is clear: to provide the best and most compassionate care. Patients are our priority. We will get through this together with mutual respect and compassion.

Reaching Our Hospitals

Please contact our hospitals below if you need specific information regarding visiting hours.
Hospital Phone # Email
Hackensack University Medical Center 551-996-2010 OPEHackensackUMC@hmhn.org
Palisades Medical Center 201-854-5751 OPEPMC@hmhn.org
JFK University Medical Center 732-321-7566 OPEJFK@hmhn.org
Raritan Bay Medical Center  732-442-3700 x 5086 OPERBMC@hmhn.org
Old Bridge Medical Center 732-442-3700 x 5086 OPERBMC@hmhn.org
Bayshore Medical Center 732-739-5911 OPEBMC@hmhn.org
Riverview Medical Center 732-530-2484 OPERMC@hmhn.org
Jersey Shore University Medical Center 732-776-4447 OPEJSUMC@hmhn.org
Ocean University Medical Center 732-836-4297 OPEOMC@hmhn.org
Southern Ocean Medical Center 609-978-3833 OPESOMC@hmhn.org

Masking Optional: Frequently Asked Questions

Hackensack Meridian Health determines the COVID-19 level by location. This determination is made by assessing any available data, including, but not limited to: the community transmission level for the county, the trends over at least two weeks, asymptomatic COVID positivity upon admission, out of work Team Members and the severity/infectivity of the predominant COVID-19 variant. Due to high prevalence of COVID-19 in some communities, masking requirements have been reinstated at select hospitals. Hackensack Meridian Health will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity and update masking guidance accordingly throughout its health network.

Patients, visitors, staff and volunteers are required to mask throughout the following hospitals:

  • Carrier Clinic
  • Jersey Shore University Medical Center
  • JFK University Medical Center
  • Palisades Medical Center
  • Ocean University Medical Center
  • Old Bridge Medical Center
  • Riverview Medical Center
  • Southern Ocean Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian Health will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity and update masking guidance accordingly for all its locations. Guidance is subject to change.
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