Lowell General Hospital Restricts Visitors As Cases Rise

LOWELL, MA — Lowell General Hospital is restricting visitors, as the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus continues to rise to across Chelmsford and greater Lowell.

"We know this decision will be difficult for families who have loved ones in our care," said Jody White, CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health. "But at this time we feel it’s an important step to maintain a safe and healing environment for our patients."

There are still a few exceptions the hospital will consider, she said, including end-of-life care, maternity patients, pediatric patients and other situations that are pre-approved by a patient’s care team.

Lowell General first imposed visitor limitations in March, and had been allowing one "support person" for one hour per day for each patient.

The tighter restrictions comes as Massachusetts is preparing to bring back field hospitals as the state makes plans to handle the rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and worsening virus trends that Gov. Charlie Baker said show "no signs of changing."

Field hospitals were scattered across the state during the spring when the coronavirus was at its peak and strained health care capacity. Baker said space and need will help determine where they go this time around.

As of Nov. 18, there were 885 people hospitalized because of the coronavirus, according to state data.

Several Merrimack Valley towns reported surging cases in recent days. Lowell reported nearly 800 cases from Oct. 29 to Nov. 13, up nearly 300 from the week before. Andover reported 186 coronavirus cases, Wednesday, more than double the number just over a week ago, Nov. 9.

Meanwhile, between Oct. 29 and Nov. 13, Chelmsford's number rose by 74 the week before.

“We urge patients to stay engaged with their healthcare providers and to not delay care,” White said. “We ask our community to stand with us and slow the spread of this virus by masking, maintaining social distance, washing hands and avoiding large gatherings this holiday season.”

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.