Care New England Bans Hospital Visitors Due to Coronavirus

Care New England Bans Hospital Visitors Due to Coronavirus

Care New England announced that no visitors will be allowed in adult units at any of their hospitals due to the outbreak of coronavirus in Rhode Island.

The policy impacts Kent, Butler and Women & Infants hospitals.

“We understand this policy will represent a significant hardship for both patients and families. We do not take this lightly. However, we believe that at this point in time - with the presently evolving risks of transmission in the community - this is the best way to protect the vulnerable patients who have trusted us with their care,” writes Care New England in a statement.

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Care New England’s announcement comes a few days after Lifespan suspended visitation at its hospitals.

According to Care New England, the restrictions are as follows:

• Adult Inpatients will not be allowed visitors at Kent Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, and Butler Hospital.
• Obstetric Inpatients will be allowed one designated support person during their stay, and a pre-designated doula while in labor, if applicable.
• NICU patients will be allowed only two designated support persons during their stay.
• Emergency Department patients will be allowed only one accompanying adult and that person’s duration of stay in patient areas will be limited.

 

Coronavirus in RI & MA

As GoLocalProv reported, two more cases of coronavirus were announced by the Rhode Island Department of Health on Tuesday. 

This brings the total number in RI to five.

In Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday night as GoLocalProv reported. 

In just over a week, the number of confirmed cases in the Commonwealth has grown from 1 to 92.