Munson Healthcare announced on Friday that it had transitioned from COVID-19 pandemic level orange to yellow status on Thursday.
They say that levels increase as the infection rate in the community declines and the number of COVID-19 patients in healthcare system hospitals decreases.
The yellow status allows the hospital to relax visit restrictions.
Stepping down to Pandemic Level Yellow is another welcome sign for the healthcare system and community, according to Joe Santangelo, MD, Chief Safety and Quality Office at Munson Healthcare.
“Our transition to Level Yellow is a more accurate reflection of the current operational status of our healthcare system,” says Santangelo. “This is a positive and welcome change, but we will continue to prioritize all pandemic-related work and care for COVID-19 patients will continue to be an important focus.”
With Pandemic Level Yellow, the following happens:
- Starting Monday, March 21, the hospital will extend its visit policy to allow two patients at a time for each inpatient.
- Patients visiting the clinic or medical system clinic are allowed one visitor for the duration of their stay at the clinic.
- Visiting exceptions continue for patients in need of help, children and alumni, and end-of-life patients.
- The waiting room will be reopened to visitors as long as social distance and cleaning protocols are maintained.
- The cafeteria will be reopened to visitors for food and seat purchases as long as social distance and cleaning protocols are maintained.
- The universal masking policy for medical systems will continue to apply and all visitors will be required to wear masks issued by Munson Healthcare.
“We are pleased to be able to relax visitor restrictions from Monday. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 infection rate in the community and adjust our policies as needed,” said Santangelo. “By testing for the symptoms of COVID-19 and isolating it if necessary, anyone can help the healthcare system and the community. Vaccines are serious illnesses and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. It continues to be the best option to prevent, and it is advisable to keep the vaccine up to date. “
Click here for more information on Manson Healthcare’s visit policy and pandemic response.
