Due to a steady increase in respiratory viral infections (RSV, COVID, and influenza) in both the community and among hospital inpatients, Columbus Regional Health is implementing visitation restrictions on the hospital campus to better protect patients, workforce members, and visitors.

Effective Monday, December 30, 2024, visitation will be limited to individuals 18 years of age and older, and only two visitors per patient will be allowed at a time. Visitors may rotate in most cases, although special exceptions may apply depending on patient circumstance or unit/department requirements.

The following guidelines will also be implemented:

• Visitors having symptoms suggestive of illness (including, but not limited to: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, or vomiting) should not be allowed to visit and will be respectfully asked to leave for the safety of our patients and staff.
• Visitors may be asked to wear a mask in patient rooms when required.
• Birthing Center and Pediatrics/Women & Children’s
• Patients must identify, upon arrival, one primary support person to be present while in labor, and no more than four additional individuals who will be permitted visitation rights.
• For Level 2 Nursery, only the two individuals with an ID band matching the infant band will be permitted to visit.   
• Visitation amendments may be made in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the care team.

Visitation hours will remain unchanged.