Emanate Health, the largest health care system in the San Gabriel Valley, updated its visitation policy Tuesday, allowing patients to see one visitor per day in its three hospitals.
With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations sharply dropping following the winter surge, Emanate Health is following public health guidance and allowing visitors to safely see patients. The new policy applies to Inter-Community Hospital in Covina, Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina and Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora.
“Allowing patients to see family and friends during their hospitalization is an important part of the recovery process,” Emanate Health CEO Robert Curry said. “Our new policy allows visitors to see their loved ones while maintaining the stringent protocols that promote the safety of all patients and staff in our three facilities.”
The policy allows patients to see one visitor per day for more than one hour. The patient will select one person to be their designated guest during the extent of their hospital stay. Visitors — who must present identification and be at least 18 years old — will also be required to complete a temperature screening and properly wear a face mask throughout their stay.
Visitor hours are between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Patients with COVID-19 or under investigation for potential exposure to the virus may not receive visitors. Visitors who are under quarantine or have tested positive for the virus within the last 14 days may not enter the hospitals.
Visitors will be allowed in the emergency department, but the new policy does not apply to the Family Birth & Newborn Center and end-of-life patients. Special exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
The rule changes come after the California Department of Public Health recently rescinded a state public health order for the discontinuation of elective procedures. With surgeries safely returning to Emanate Health, patients are strongly advised not to delay their care, to see their primary care physicians and reschedule any previous surgeries that may have been canceled because of the pandemic.