With new COVID-19 cases on the decline, all Mercy facilities, including Mercy Jefferson in Crystal City, have loosened their visitor policies, which means more people are allowed to visit hospital patients, except for isolated COVID-positive patients.
Mercy spokesman Joe Poelker said visitors are no longer screened when they enter a facility, but they are still required to wear a medical-grade mask, like a N95, KN95 or surgical mask. Cloth face masks are not allowed, and Mercy facilities will have medical-grade masks available for those who do not have one.
“Mercy recognizes the benefits of visitation to patients and their families, but must also balance those needs with protecting patients, co-workers and visitors from a highly contagious virus,” Poelker said. “Mercy will quickly adapt guidelines as needed to keep everyone safe, which may mean future restrictions for specific patient populations.”
The visitor restrictions, besides those for isolated COVID-positive patients, were lifted Monday (Feb. 14).
