CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One of the state’s largest hospital systems announced Saturday evening it was returning immediately to a ‘no visitation’ policy.
Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) said the rate of spread of COVID-19 is too high to allow visitors at its three hospitals in Charleston and one in Teays Valley.
“West Virginia has the worst rating in the country for the spread of COVID-19. This community spread is our greatest concern for our patients and workforce,” a CAMC statement said. “Due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the community, CAMC has made the very difficult decision to once again implement a NO VISITOR policy effective immediately, Sept. 5. This no visitation restriction will be in effect until further notice.“
The state has gone from having one of the lowest rates of spread to the top of that list in less than two weeks. The Rt Value was 1.32 Saturday.
CAMC also said Saturday:
“The no visitor policy also includes the essential caregiver. No one will be permitted to be with the patient with a few exceptions. One essential caregiver will be permitted in pediatrics, obstetrical services and the NICU for the duration of the patient’s stay.
End of life care will be authorized on a case-by-case basis.
For emergency room visits, if an essential caregiver is needed for assistance, only one person may accompany a patient into the emergency room and then will be asked to leave.“
Thomas Health System in Kanawha County also went back to a ‘no visitor’ policy Saturday.