Central Peninsula Hospital, because of lower COVID-19 community infection rates, has updates its visitation policy. Most significantly, COVID-19 negative patients can now have two visitors at a time, including in the Family Birth Center.
Bruce Richards, External Affairs Director at Central Peninsula Hospital told KSRM:
“The COVID counts statewide have been falling quite steadily, clearly a huge downward trend. We decided to look at that and make some changes to allow for an increase in visitors. Prior to yesterday it was one visitor per patient and now we’re going to allow two people at a time and it’s any two people. It’s not designated people like some have been in the past. Two people at any time and for OB, they can have two people at a time, plus allow a sibling to come in and visit as well. It’s good news. Things are doing well, and the counts are going down and we need to try to get back more towards normal.”
CPH does say there are some visitor expectations to be aware of, including that everyone must always mask up while on the CPH campus. Visitors also must pass a health screen at the CPH entrance. Hands are to be washed and sanitized often. Children are permitted to accompany parents to scheduled appointments. Lastly, visitors are to follow all directions from staff.
Richards was asked if this latest move is a complete return to normal at Central Peninsula Hospital:
“Not, not yet. It’s not a complete return to normal, but it certainly is a step towards that. Obviously, there is still a limitation on the number and people will still have to wear masks when visiting. That’s not a complete return to normal, but we are working towards that.”
CPH states that the cafeteria remains closed to the public. Heritage Place also is open to visitors with similar mask requirements.
*photo courtesy of the Central Peninsula Hospital social media page