Local Hospitals Begin To Expand Visitation Guidelines

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Visitors will be once again be welcomed at Novant Health 's hospitals in Culpeper, Haymarket, and Prince William County. The new guidelines will allow visitors to certain departments from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, beginning on Thursday, April 7.

Visitation for COVID-19 patients will still be limited, Novant said in a news release. Now, patients in inpatient care can host two adults during visiting hours. Children who are patients in the emergency department can be accompanied by two guardians during their visit, and adults in the emergency department can have one visitor.

Additionally, laboring mothers can now have two adults support them during their stay, and visiting hours restrictions will not apply to them. A full list of updated guidelines is available on the Novant Health UVA Health System's website.

Even as the guidelines shift, the hospitals will still require several guidelines to keep patients safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The medical centers will require visitors to be at least at 18 years old, and visitors must wear a mask at all times during their visit.

When they enter the hospital, all visitors will get their temperature taken and answer several COVID-19 screening questions. Anyone who does not meet the screening requirements will not be allowed in the medical center.