GRMC Visitation as of 8/15/22:
Inpatient– Two adult visitors per day during visiting hours 8AM-9PM and 10AM to 9PM in the ICU; visitors may come and go or switch out. Visitors must obtain and wear a visitor badge upon entering and exiting the building. Visitors may use common areas such as the cafeteria and gift shop, but must practice social distancing. All children under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 6 may visit if prior arrangements have been made with the Charge Nurse on the unit of visitation. They must be under constant adult supervision and remain in the designated visiting area. All children over the age of 2 must wear a mask to visit.
No visitors with COVID positive patient.
Inpatient Pediatric- Pediatrics on med surg or in the icu are suggested to have at least 1 parent, legal guardian or grandparent stay with the child. Two are allowed. Only 1 guest tray will be provided. No siblings are allowed to stay.
OB– 2 visitors per patient throughout their stay; 2 can accompany the infant for PKU and other outpatient testing. For COVID positive OB patient, one visitor and they cannot leave the room.
ED– 1 adult visitors, must stay with patient. No visitors allowed in the waiting area. Children under 12 may not visit at this time. COVID positive or symptomatic patients in the ED ONLY: 1 visitor if they reside with the patient. They may not leave the exam room and if they leave the room, they must wait in their vehicle to decrease cross contamination. If the patient is admitted the visitor is not permitted on the floor.
Outpatient Surgery– One visitor per adult patient except for pediatric, who may have both parents.
Subacute- All Visitors to the Subacute Unit will need to bring proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of visiting or be tested on site.
Outpatient testing– May have one person accompany them.
Cancer Center– One visitor for appointment/infusion. No children permitted in the center with the patient.
Visitation for children under the age of 18 years of age- Must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 6 may visit if prior arrangements have been made with the Charge Nurse on the unit of visitation. They must be under constant adult supervision and remain in the designated visiting area. All children over the age of 2 must wear a mask to visit.
End of life situations in all areas will be handled case by case and communicated by the supervisor or dept leader depending on the situation.
Everyone entering the hospital as a visitor must screen at the kiosk, be symptom free, wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and social distance from patients.
What we know about COVID-19
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
What can I do to stop the spread?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Self-isolate during this time. Only go out when necessary. If you must go out to the store check with others who may need items from the store as well.
- Be sure to clean shopping carts with a wipe and upon leaving the store use hand sanitizer.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Wear a face mask when out in public.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Do not mix any cleaning products, especially those containing bleach as a plume of gas may form.
- If chlorine gas is accidentally released, evacuate the area until there has been enough time for ventilation. Do not re-open the area until the gas has been completely removed.
- Always run clean water through a drain after flushing or rinsing cleaning products. This will help prevent the formation of toxic gases from chemicals that could potentially mix in the drainpipe.
- When handling chemicals always follow the prescribed manufactures guidelines and utilize common sense to help protect yourself and others.
- Using more product than is necessary does not mean a better outcome of disinfecting the surface.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
- Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:- 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR - 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol. - Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
The following products should not be mixed together as they will cause a dangerous plume of toxic gases when inhaled can cause difficulty breathing.
- Bleach + Vinegar
- Bleach + Ammonia
- Bleach + Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide + Vinegar