An area hospital has changed its visitor policy, effective immediately.

A news release from Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall says due to an increase in COVID-19 positive cases in the community and among its patients, the hospital is reinstating the No Visitor policy which was instituted at the beginning of the pandemic in March. This is for the safety of patients and employees. The facility and its clinics will be closed to visitors with some exceptions:

Visitor exceptions: Patients are allowed one individual only in the certain circumstances. You must pass a safety screen to accompany them:
· When the patient is in labor and delivery and postpartum;
· When the patient requires assistance to move through the hospital;
· When the patient is confused or developmentally disabled;
· When the patient is undergoing conscious sedation;
· When the patient is a minor (under the age of 18), two guardians will be allowed; or
· When the patient is at end of life (guidance on number provided by management).

This modification also includes reinstatement of restrictions on the entrance of individuals seeking to visit Health Information Management for medical records, vendors, couriers, and deliveries to only essential items.