HERSHEY – As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Penn State Health continues its commitment to the safety of patients and their families, staff and their families, and the communities we serve. In response to an increase in patients with COVID-19 across the health system, Penn State Health has revised its patient visitation guidelines. The new guidelines take effect on Monday, Nov. 23 at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and Penn State Health Medical Group locations.
Under the revised policy, adult inpatients may have one family/support person with them during their entire stay, and pediatric patients may have two. The designated family/support persons will be the only ones allowed into Penn State Health facilities throughout a patient’s stay.
Adult patients of emergency departments and outpatient clinics will not be permitted any family/support persons.
Exceptions to the policy for inpatients and adult patients of emergency departments and outpatient clinics will be made for end-of-life patients and adult patients who have disabilities, communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
Penn State Health will continue to screen all family/support persons who wish to enter any facility; no one with COVID-19 symptoms will be permitted to enter. Everyone entering the facilities will also be required to wear a mask and maintain appropriate social distancing guidelines.
Penn State Health offers free virtual screenings for COVID-19 through its telehealth service, Penn State Health OnDemand. Anyone with concerns that they may have COVID-19 may use the service to talk directly with a provider who can evaluate their symptoms and make care recommendations.
