Floyd County Medical Center announces visitor limits

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Starting today, Floyd County Medical Center will be implementing restrictions on patient visitors and non-patient visitors such as visitors to the cafeteria and walkers on campus, the FCMC announced in a press release on Tuesday.

“We understand that these restrictions will be difficult for patients and their loved ones,” the press release said. “We are taking these necessary steps to protect our patients and staff.”

Additionally, the gift shop at the hospital announced Tuesday that it was closing until further notice.

“As Floyd County Medical Center continues to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19, the ongoing safety of patients, staff and the community remains our primary focus,” the release said. “To protect our patients and staff, Floyd County Medical Center will limit the number of visitors on its campus while there is a threat of COVID-19 transmission.”

The release also said that patients and visitors who enter the clinic or hospital may also be screened for respiratory illness.

Effective Wednesday,  patient visitor restrictions include:

— For hospital patients, two visitors per patient at a time will be allowed. Visitors are also being asked to limit the number of visits.
— For patients in the Emergency Room, one visitor per patient will be permitted. Exceptions will be made for situations for special patient care needs (e.g. end-of-life, pediatric).
— Visitors may be screened for respiratory illness and fever.
— FCMC encourages people to consider using other methods such as phone calls or FaceTime to connect with patients.
— Children age 13 and under are not allowed to visit at this time.

Non-patient visitor restrictions include:

— Cafeteria open only for patients, patient’s visitors and employees.
— No visitors using hallways for exercising/walking.
— No SMS wellness members.
— Clinic patients scheduled for a wellness or non-emergent follow-up appointment should contact the clinic to determine if postponing and rescheduling is reasonable.