The Greene County Medical Center has increased its restrictions on visitors.

The medical center is not allowing any visitors at this time, due to growing COVID-19 concerns. However, a designated caregiver of the patient is allowed if the patient is imminently dying. The other new criteria will allow one visitor, a designated caregiver, if the patient is an infant or small child, the patient is suffering from confusion or delirium, or if the patient is in active labor. Infection Prevention Nurse Heather Kinsey clarifies the last criteria. 

“Although we do not have an OB (obstetrics) department at our hospital we do have emergency situations sometimes. So in that case we would only have one person there as well to support the mom.”

Kinsey notes that the designated caregiver must be free of any signs of illness and be at least 18-years-old. No siblings of the patient are allowed, the caregiver must remain in the patient room and have limited movement within the facility and avoid common areas. Additionally, designated caregivers are required to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam upon entering and exiting the patient’s room. 

Kinsey says these restrictions are in the best interest of keeping patients and employees safe from spreading COVID-19.