“We know that these guidelines will be difficult on patients, their families and visitors to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, however, please bear with us as we seek to put measures in place to reduce our vulnerability to COVID-19 and its impact on our patients,” Dr Georges said.

New Rules

He said each patient is only now allowed one visitor per day and all visitors must be 16 years of age or older. Visitors are also now required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after leaving rooms and the premises, and visits will now only be permitted between 12 pm to 2 pm.

Persons who are sick, have a fever or a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 are asked not to visit or accompany a patient to the hospital.

This request also applies to all persons who are amongst the most vulnerable population, which includes but is not limited to the elderly, persons with respiratory and chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and persons with a weak immune system.

The BVIHSA also said “visitor exceptions will be made for pediatric and hospice patients and other patient circumstances which will be determined by their clinical care team”.