WILLMAR — Visitors will now be allowed to spend time with patients at Carris Health facilities, including Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar and Carris Health clinics, now that COVID-19 cases are decreasing in the region. Carris Health announced the new policy in a news release Friday.
Starting June 29, Carris Health and its parent company CentraCare, which runs St. Cloud Hospital among other facilities, will allow one healthy adult visitor for an inpatient's entire hospital stay. Visitor hours are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for hospital settings.
Pediatric inpatients and neonatal intensive care units can now have two parents or legal guardians with them.
There may be two visitors per day for critically unstable and end-of-life patients. Clergy will also be allowed to visit hospital patients.
Inpatient mental health is still under a no visitors restriction.
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At CentraCare and Carris Health clinic and procedural patient care areas, one adult visitor at a time will be allowed per patient.
All visitors must wear a mask at all times while in the facilities. They are being asked to bring their own if at all possible, though one will be provided if needed.
Visitors will enter the buildings using designated entrances and will be screened for COVID-19. If a potential visitor has any symptoms of illness or has been in contact with someone who is ill, they are asked to not come. Any symptomatic visitors will not be allowed in the buildings.
At CentraCare and Carris Health long-term care facilities, outdoor visits and expanded window visits will be allowed, weather permitting. This is based on Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.
Visitors will need to be masked, practice social distancing and follow other precautions in place. Families wishing to visit should contact the facility to set up an appointment and receive instructions.
Indoor visits at these facilities are still prohibited.
Both CentraCare and Carris Health review the visitor policy daily. The policies are subject to change at any time.
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