Submitted by Providence
Balancing patient and caregiver safety with the importance of engaging loved ones in the healing process has been significant throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past several weeks, Providence Southwest Washington ministries have seen a decrease in COVID-19 positive patients in our hospitals. From a peak of more than 150 COVID-19 positive patients just a few weeks ago, Providence St. Peter and Centralia hospitals are now caring for about 50 COVID-19 positive patients as of February 23.
Due to the decreased COVID-19 inpatient numbers and ample supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Providence Southwest has decided to update its visitation policy, effective at 8 a.m. on Thursday, February 24.
Some of the changes include:
- Expanded visitation for non-COVID-19 Critical Care, Medical and Surgical inpatients, and Continuous Observation Patients – allowing two visitors between 10 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m.
- All Providence Medical Group patients are permitted to have one support person accompany them to their visit
The entire Providence Southwest visitation guidelines are available at the Providence Coronavirus website.
Please note: In all cases, visitors will only be permitted into the hospital if they screen negative for COVID-19 symptoms, and wear a hospital-issued or medical-grade mask at all times.