SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, University of Utah Health announced a revised visiting policy for their hospitals and clinics that now goes into effect.
While patients are still discouraged from bringing additional people to their appointments at either inpatient or outpatient facilities, patients are allowed to have at least one visitor, provided that the visitor is free of COVID-19 symptoms.
Only one individual aged 18 or older can be present per day with an admitted patient in their room during a hospital's designated visiting hours, which are usually from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, this is limited to one designated person and can not be replaced by another visitor on the same day.
If a patient is undergoing an outpatient procedure or provider appointment, then they can be accompanied by only one other person either over the age of 18 or under the age of 18 but over the age of 12 for the duration of the appointment or procedure.
"We recognize the valuable emotional and/or physical support that a family member, companion, friend, neighbor or other caregiver can provide a patient during an appointment or hospital stay," U of U Health said in a press release. "We also strive to balance that critical role with the need to protect all patients, those accompanying patients, and staff from the potential spread of COVID-19."
There are exceptions to these guidelines, but they apply in very specific circumstances, such as when a patient is receiving end-of-life care or if the patient is a minor being treated at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute. In such cases, a patient is allowed to have two adult individuals present.
U of U Health also wanted to remind the public that general CDC guidelines are still in place. They strongly recommend that if you are visiting or accompanying a patient, that you wear a mask or face covering, observe 6-foot distancing guidelines, and wash your hands frequently. They also urge you to stay home if you are sick.