Coronavirus In RI: Care New England Suspends Hospital Visitation

PROVIDENCE, RI — Another Rhode Island Hospital group has banned visitors from patient wards. On Wednesday, Care New England announced a new policy that severely restricts who is allowed with patients at Kent, Women and Infants and Butler Hospitals.

At Women and Infants, obstetric patients will only be allowed to have one person with them while in labor, and, if they choose, a doula. Babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, meanwhile, can have two designated visitors.

In all emergency rooms, patients will be allowed to have one person with them, and their time with the patient will be limited.

"We understand this policy will represent a significant hardship for both patients and families," Care New England said in a statement. "We do not take this lightly. However, we believe that at this point in time - with the presently evolving risks of transmission in the community - this is the best way to protect the vulnerable patients who have trusted us with their care."

Visitors have been limited at Lifespan hospitals and South County Hospital, as well.