Ballad restricting hospital access

Ballad Health is prohibiting or restricting visitation at its hospitals and long-term care facilities to help contain the coronavirus.

Effective now, no visitors are allowed at Mountain View Regional Hospital in Norton. Case-by-case exceptions will be considered.

Otherwise, Ballad hospitals are:

• Limiting visitors to one guest per patient.

• Not allowing visitors younger than 18.

• Screening visitors for virus symptoms.

• Limiting public access points.

For those who intend to visit a hospital, they might:

• Need to have their temperature checked.

• Be given a mask.

• Not be permitted to visit.

Privately employed patient sitters will follow the same screening guidance and protocols as Ballad Health team members.

Exceptions to the one-visitor rule will be in place for Ballad Health’s birthing center and pediatric departments, which will allow two visitors per patient.

Further exceptions to screening limitations and visiting hours are available case by case for hospice, end-of-life care and other circumstances.

Ballad will revisit the restrictions on March 30.

TESTING

Ballad advises that anyone who thinks they might have COVID-19 can call 833/822-5523 to be screened. This Nurse Connect line is active 24/7, according to the website.