ANN ARBOR – Starting on Friday, Michigan Medicine will enact heightened restrictions on visitors as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across the state.
Similar to its restricted visitor policy in the early months of the pandemic, no visitors will be allowed for adult patients, unless medically necessary.
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Chief medical officer at Michigan Medicine, Jeffrey Desmond, said the measure is being taken to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to hospital patients and staff.
“At Michigan Medicine, we’ve seen our COVID-19 hospitalizations rise, doubling in the last few weeks to 68 patients today,” Desmond said in a statement. “We have also seen rising rates of COVID-19 in the surrounding communities and rising rates of positive tests.
“The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, along with doing what we can to minimize the spread of disease. Restricting visitors is not something we do lightly because we know this is difficult for our patients and their families and friends. But this step will help us slow the spread and help keep all of our Michigan Medicine facilities safe for everyone.”
Some exceptions apply for end-of-life and patients in labor and delivery.
To check Michigan Medicine’s visitor policies, click here.
Currently, the visitor policy for pediatric patients remains the same with two parents or caregivers allowed. One primary caregiver is allowed for pediatric clinic and outpatient care, unless an additional aide is required.
No visitors will be allowed for adult patients in ambulatory care clinics unless the patient has a physical or cognitive impairment that requires another accompanying adult.
The current visitor policy for outpatient surgery and procedural areas remains unchanged.
Visitors are required at all times to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth at Michigan Medicine, even if they have already received a vaccine against COVID-19. Those who refuse to wear masks in all areas, including patient rooms, will not be permitted to stay.
Patients who can tolerate a face covering must wear one in the presence of health care workers and visitors. Emergency Department patients must wear a face covering at all times.
Desmond emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, and urged everyone to seek out all possible options to receive the shot.
“All vaccines are reducing serious disease, hospitalization and death,” Desmond said in a statement. Every shot counts. If you are not yet vaccinated, please consider getting your vaccine as soon as possible. We need to work together to stop the spread.”