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Trinity Health has tightened visitor restrictions at Trinity Hospital due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Western North Dakota.

Effective October 13, 2020, visiting hours will be limited to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with just one adult visitor allowed per day at a patient’s bedside. Movement in the hospital will be restricted, and no one under age 18 will be permitted. Additionally, all visitors will be screened upon entry, and a mask or face covering will be required throughout a person’s visit.

Vice President Randy Schwan says given the continued rise in the number of people testing positive for the COVID-19, a policy change was in order. “Our objective is to do as much as we can to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially now that we are approaching the flu season,” said Schwan. “We understand the importance of having the support of loved ones and encourage families to use alternate methods of communication, such as phone calls or video chats. Our care teams also have an enhanced process for keeping families updated on how their loves ones are doing in the hospital.”

Exceptions to the one-visitor policy include patients in the pediatric and newborn intensive care units, where two parents or legal guardians will be allowed. Patients receiving end-of-life care may have up to three visitors, with preapproval required for visits by minor children.

No one will be allowed to visit patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, with the following exceptions:

• • COVID-positive pediatric patients – limit to one parent or legal guardian
  • COVID-positive maternity patients with newborn – limit one support person
  • COVID-positive end-of-life – pre-approval required for all visits

Patients visiting the hospital for an outpatient procedure, emergency visit, or same day surgery appointment will continue to be allowed one adult companion, who must remain in the patient’s room. Patients requiring a home caregiver will be allowed one visitor at the time of discharge for care training.

“As we have throughout this pandemic, we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our patients and caregivers,” Schwan said. “We thank the community for their patience and understanding. If we as a community can pull together and follow the guidance of wearing masks, socially distancing, washing our hands, and avoiding large gatherings, that would really help the whole community, and maybe we can reverse the trend we are seeing in the hospitals right now.”