Cass County Health System (CCHS) officials announced increased visitor limitations for patients will begin on Monday, November 30.

“We truly believe that visitors are good medicine. While we know that many hospitals and clinics are not allowing any visitors, we continue to make it a priority to put ourselves in the shoes of our patients and their loved ones. We will keep allowing visitors as long as it is reasonable and feasible to do so. With increased COVID-positive patients, allowing visitors around the clock becomes a challenge. These patients need a higher level of care, which can strain staff who are juggling more than ever these days. Because of the increased spread in our community, and the increased hospitalizations, we felt it was the time to dial up our visitor limitations,” said CCHS Chief Nursing Officer Amanda Bireline.

Beginning on the 30^th, the visitor policy is as follows:

• All visitors must be 18 years of age or older and in good health.
• All visitors must always wear a mask over their nose and mouth; additional PPE may be required dependent upon the patient’s diagnosis.
• Outpatients may have one visitor with them during their appointment.
• Inpatients may have one designated visitor.
• Daily visiting hours will be between 3 and 6 pm only.
• Emergency Department patients may have one designated visitor with them; visitors may be asked to leave at any time if staff deems it necessary for the health and safety of either the patient or visitor.
• Obstetrics patients will have two designated visitors/support persons who are 18 years of age or older and in good health.
• Special exceptions may be made in all departments on a case-by-case basis for pediatric patients, end-of-life patients, or other unique situations.

All visitors will be screened at the entrance before being allowed to proceed.

CCHS encourages friends and family to use technology to keep in contact with their loved ones.