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<h2><strong>Mandatory masking, other precautions in place to protect patients, staff</strong><br><br></h2>
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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>Due to the recent increase in community spread of COVID-19, Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) is implementing visitor restrictions and reinforcing safety measures to protect patients, staff and visitors.</p>
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<p>The following visitor guidelines were to be enforced, beginning Thursday, July 29:</p>
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<p><strong>Main Hospital</strong></p>
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<p>Hospital inpatients (with exceptions noted below) may have two designated visitors between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Only one may visit at a time, however. Visitors need to:</p>
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<p>Be designated at admitting (only the same two visitors will be allowed during the entirety of the patient’s stay.)</p>
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<p>Be at least 18 years of age.</p>
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<p>Be a family member or caregiver.</p>
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<p>Wear a mask at all times (regardless of vaccination status).</p>
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<p>Social distance while waiting to be given a visitor badge.</p>
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<p>Please note that PUIs (patients under investigation) and positive COVID-19 patients may not receive visitors.</p>
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<p><strong>Emergency Room</strong></p>
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<p>Visitors will not be allowed to accompany patients and are asked to wait in their vehicle to minimize crowding in the waiting room and patient care areas. Exceptions will be made for parents of minors and caregivers accompanying disabled patients.</p>
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<p><strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU)</strong></p>
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<p>Visitors will only be allowed in extenuating circumstances.</p>
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<p><strong>Collins Birthing Center</strong></p>
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<p>Collins Birthing Center patients may have two visitors plus their birthing coach/partner with them for the duration of their stay.</p>
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<p><strong>Surgical Pavilion/Outpatient Surgery Center</strong></p>
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<p>Surgical patients may have one visitor who meets all of the criteria above. Visitors are encouraged to provide a contact phone number and wait in their vehicle/home. They may wait in the surgical waiting areas provided social distancing measures can be maintained. If distancing cannot be maintained, visitors will be asked to wait in their vehicle/home until their patient is recovered and/or the surgeon has an update.</p>
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<p><strong>Outpatient Facilities/Physician Practices</strong></p>
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<p>No visitors will be allowed in waiting rooms or patient care areas at outpatient facilities, including physician practices, lab and imaging centers. Exceptions will be made for patients who are minors or need a caregiver present due to disability.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology Specialists</strong></p>
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<p>The practice will allow the spouse/partner of OB patients to attend the initial visit, dating ultrasound and anatomy scan appointments only. During all other visits, they will be asked to wait in their vehicle.</p>
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<p><strong>Express Care &amp; Occupational Health</strong></p>
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<p>No visitors will be allowed in waiting rooms or patient care areas at Beaufort Memorial Express Care &amp; Occupational Health clinics. Exceptions will be made for patients who are minors or need a caregiver present due to disability. Patients with COVID-19 related symptoms visiting the Beaufort/Port Royal and Bluffton locations are asked to park, call the number located on parking lot signs, and wait for a staff member to check them in curbside.</p>
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<p><strong>2 East/Mental Health Unit</strong></p>
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<p>Visitors are only allowed into the unit to participate in family meetings. Staff will schedule meetings and notify family members in advance.</p>
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<p>Complete visitor information, including visitor hours, entrance closures and safe care precautions, is available at BeaufortMemorial.org/Visitors.</p>
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<h2><br></h2>
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