Cape Cod Healthcare Implements Updated Visitor Policy

(HYANNIS, MA (January 7, 2022) Cape Cod Healthcare has implemented an updated patient visitation and accompaniment policy in light of the current local surge of COVID-19 cases as part of its continued commitment to the safety of patients and staff.

Effective January 7, 2022, visitation of patients will be strongly discouraged, but still permitted under current guidelines which include screening, masking and within specific timeframes.

Exceptions:

1. End of life: 2 visitors will be allowed. The visitor(s) will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask.
2. Labor and Delivery: 1 support person (same person for duration of stay) will be allowed. The support person will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness per hospital policy and required to wear a mask.
3. Accompaniment: In those situations where it is of benefit to either the patient or the provider for the patient to have either a caregiver or family member accompany them to the facility, the visitor (one only) will be allowed. The visitor will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever per hospital policy and be required to wear a mask at all times. When the visitor is not able to physically be with the patient (during actual procedure time, etc.) the visitor may be asked to wait outside of the facility or in a specified waiting area depending on social distancing guideline (providing a cell phone number) and will be contacted to return when the patient is ready.

Examples of these situations include but are not limited to:

• A minor accompanied by a parent or guardian
• A person with cognitive impairment, memory impairment or dementia accompanied by a
• caregiver
• A person with limited mobility accompanied by an attendant/caregiver
• A person with anxiety or phobia regarding their visit/procedure
• A person whom the provider deems necessary for the patients care and safety

Current guidelines are as follows:

• One visitor per patient, per day, will be allowed, with exceptions noted above
• Visitor(s) will self-screen for symptoms of respiratory illness and fever, as well as for exposure
  to anyone with a COVID-19 infection during the prior 14 days, per hospital policy
• Visitor(s) must wear a mask at all times
• Visiting hours are 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. daily
• No visitors under the age of 18
• No visitors for COVID-19 positive patients
• All visitors will be required to leave their full names and contact information upon entry

For more information, please see the Cape Cod Healthcare COVID-19 Resource Center.