Coronavirus: Jersey Shore Medical Center Tightens Visitor Rules

NEPTUNE, NJ — The Hackensack Meridian Health network has suspended all in-person visitation at its hospitals, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center, amid concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus, officials announced Thursday.

"Please know, the health and safety of our patients, their families, and team members remains a top priority," the notice from Hackensack Meridian Health officials said.

Visitation exceptions will be made in certain situations, including:

• Hospice
• Pediatric care
• Ambulatory Care/Same day surgery (one visitor)
• Maternity/Labor and delivery (one visitor)

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Once a visitor is approved, they will undergo a temperature screening, officials said. They will also need to provide their contact information in the event that tracing becomes necessary. Phone and video calls to patients are welcome and encouraged.

As a precautionary measure and to keep patients and team members safe, the hospital network is also asking its team members to self-monitor their temperature before they report to work.

"We are taking these proactive precautions to protect our patients, team members, and the communities we serve," said Jerry Zuckerman, M.D., vice president, Infection Prevention and Control at Hackensack Meridian Health. "Our care team is sensitive to the separation this restriction causes our patients and their loved ones, but we believe this measure of protection is essential at this time to keep people safe."

These visitor restrictions will be re-evaluated in 30 days.

In addition, the network has suspended in-person visits to its nursing and rehabilitation facilities except in special circumstances, such as end-of-life situations. The hospital network welcomes phone and video calls to patients and families and friends are advised to call the hospital for updates on a patient's health.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. There were 23 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey as of Wednesday. One man, from Bergen County, has died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

In addition to the restrictions on visitors, the hospital network is urging anyone who has concerns that they are ill to contact the network's doctors through its Convenient Care NOW mobile app.

Anyone who is at risk for COVID-19 or who is showing mild symptoms is urged to be evaluated by phone or computer before going to a doctor's office, emergency room or urgent care facility, the network said.

Hackensack Meridian is offering New Jersey residents the ability to schedule online visits at ConvenientCareNow.com for just $20. Use promo code HMH20.

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