MONROE — Monroe Clinic and Hospital visitor policy will be changed from Nov. 3-19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reassessed moving forward. The Clinic will continue to adjust its policies and make decisions rooted in safeguarding and caring for patients, visitors, caregivers and the community at large. Beginning Nov. 4, hospital patients are allowed one visitor/support person, over the age of 18, for the duration of their stay with the following criteria: 

●  Visitors must bring their own food, beverages and comfort items, as movement throughout the building is not allowed.

●  Visitors may only enter the building one time per day. Once a visitor leaves, they will not be permitted to return until the following day. 

●  Visitors will be asked to complete a health screening prior to entering our facility. They will be required to maintain social distancing and cover their nose and mouth with a face covering while on-site. This is without exception. 

●  Inpatient patients must test negative before they are allowed a visitor. Anyone with a positive exposure to COVID-19 or elevated temperature will not be allowed entry without approval by Administrative Supervisor. Vendors and contractor visits are also suspended at this time unless prior approval was granted. Exceptions will be made for compassionate care. Also beginning Nov. 4, patients at the clinic are no longer allowed to have a visitor accompany them for in-clinic appointments. One accompanying visitor may still be allowed for pediatric patients and for patients whose cognitive, physical or emotional abilities make a visitor an essential part of caring for the patient. If either criterion is met, then the visitor will be screened, per protocol, before being allowed to proceed to the visit with the patient. For continued Monroe Clinic updates, visit https:// www.monroeclinic.org/ coronavirus.