VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Ind., announced updated visitor guidelines Monday in response to the significant increase in COVID-19 transmission in the community, a news release said.
The most significant change is limiting outpatient, outpatient surgery and medical practice patients to only one visitor if needed to aid with medical, mobility and cognitive needs. The visitor also must 16 or older.
The hospital is also requesting all non-essential visitors to refrain from visiting Good Samaritan facilities at this time. This guideline includes anyone who is not visiting or assisting a patient, such as non-essential vendors and cafeteria, gift shop and coffee shop visitors.
Good Samaritan also provided some safety tips for when someone must visit the hospital facilities.
- When experiencing COVID symptoms, such as a headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat or runny nose, call ahead to your provider’s office before coming in person.
- Consider a virtual visit for routine or acute visits that may not require an in-person visit.
- Only bring one visitor with you to your appointment if they are necessary for mobility or medical decision making.
- When attending an in-person appointment:
- Wear a mask over the nose and mouth. Masks are required, even if vaccinated.
- Maintain a distance of six feet from non-household members when possible.
Visitors to Good Samaritan may conduct a self-screening assessment before arriving to check if they are eligible to enter the facilities. The screening assessment can be found on the gshvin.org homepage under the COVID-19 Information section.
The full visitor guidelines can also be found on the hospital website.
