JACKSONVILLE – As the number of COVID-19 cases increases throughout central Illinois, Passavant Area Hospital is reminding the public of temporary limits on the number of visitors for inpatients and asking for their cooperation in complying.

Visitors for inpatients are limited to one per patient between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and no children under 16 years old are permitted to visit.

“We understand that people want to visit their loved ones in the hospital, but COVID-19 is spreading throughout our community. Many people may have COVID-19 and could be contagious before they are showing symptoms,” said Dr. Scott Boston, president and CEO of Passavant Area hospital. “Our mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve, and limiting the number of visitors in the hospital is important at this time. We appreciate the public’s understanding and support in following these requirements.”

The nonprofit hospital will allow exceptions with approval in limited circumstances. They are:

• Emergency Department: One visitor who must remain in the patient’s room for duration of visit.
• Inpatient at end-of-life: Two visitors.
• Inpatient obstetrics: Two visitors, who may change from day to day.
• Pediatrics, inpatient and outpatient: Two parents or guardians.
• Surgery/procedure, inpatient and outpatient: One visitor in the waiting room only for the duration of the surgical procedure.
• Outpatient services: Patients being provided outpatient services are encouraged to come alone whenever possible or have visitors wait outside until services are complete.
• Any patient with intellectual or developmental disability or cognitive impairments: One support person.
• Visitation is restricted to essential individuals at the Transitional Care Unit, per Illinois Department of Public Health regulations.

All visitors must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth at all times while in the hospital.

The restrictions will continue to be reevaluated as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

“We want to remind the public that these restrictions are in place to ensure that we can continue to offer all services and continue to care for the community,” Boston said. “We ask the community to support us by getting your flu shots and by following the ‘W’s to control community spread: Wash your hands, wear a mask and watch your distance.”

Stay up-to-date about COVID-19 information at ChooseMemorial.org/COVID19