Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Lehigh Valley Health Network Eases Some COVID-19 Restrictions


On Wednesday, new guidelines were put in place at all Lehigh Valley Health Network hospitals easing COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place.

The following guidelines are now in place and are continuing to be reviewed:

In adult inpatient units, including all critical care, medical-surgical and low-level monitoring units:
  • Visitors are allowed from 12-8 p.m. Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
  • Visitation is limited to one visitor at a time (does not need to be a designated person). Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
  • No visitors are allowed for patients with COVID-19, except for patients who are at end-of-life.
  • All visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times and should remain in the patient’s room.
  • The patient is permitted to eat and drink with visitors in the room. However, visitors should not eat or drink in the patient’s room. Visitors should visit the cafĂ© to eat or purchase a drink.
  • Elevator capacity remains limited to allow for social distancing. Visitors must abide by the signage posted in each elevator.

In women and children’s units:
  • Pediatric areas, including Children’s ER, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric inpatient unit:
    • Two parents/guardians may remain at the bedside at all times.
    • One additional, designated support person is allowed at the bedside from 12-8 p.m.
    • Children under age 12 may not visit.
    • Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU):
    • Parents/guardians may designate up to four support adults who may visit one at a time with a parent/guardian in attendance from 12-8 p.m.
    • Bedside visitation is limited to two individuals at a time; one individual must be a parent/guardian.
    • Children under age 16 may not visit at this time.
  • Obstetrical areas:
    • In mother-baby and perinatal units, one support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed from 12-8 p.m.
    • Children under age 12 may not visit.
    • From 8 p.m.-noon, only the support person is allowed.
    • Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
  • Triage:
    • A support person is allowed only until an admission decision is made.
  • Labor and delivery:
    • One support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed.
    • Children under age 12 may not visit.
    • During the second stage of labor and delivery, only the support person is allowed to be with the laboring patient.
    • Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.
In behavioral health units:
  • No visitors are allowed on adult units.
  • One visitor per day is allowed on adolescent units.
Outpatient Appointment Information

For all outpatient appointments, one visitor is permitted to accompany a patient for an outpatient appointment, procedure, same-day surgery or LVPG office visit.
  • Visitors will wear a face mask at all times. A mask will be provided to those who arrive without one.
  • Visitors will have their temperature taken and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Visitors will follow social distancing rules.