Logan Reid
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in North Carolina implemented strict restrictions on visitors. While some hospitals allowed limited visitors, especially for paediatric and end-of-life patients, others like Cape Fear Valley Health banned visitors for COVID-19 patients. In May 2020, North Carolina approved a bill guaranteeing a patient's right to family and clergy visits during emergencies. However, hospitals like Atlantic Health Hospitals continued to suspend visitation with limited exceptions even in December 2021.
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What You'll Learn
Novant Health hospitals in North Carolina allow visitors
In North Carolina, Novant Health hospitals have enforced visitor restrictions to mitigate the spread of infections among patients and staff. These restrictions are in response to the increase in respiratory illnesses, such as RSV, COVID-19, and the flu. Novant Health hospitals are barring visitors aged 13 and under from entering their facilities.
In special cases, such as end-of-life situations, Novant Health hospitals may allow children to visit if arranged in advance with the patient's care team. These exceptions are made to balance the need for visitor restrictions with the importance of supporting patients and their families during critical moments.
Novant Health's visitor restrictions are part of a broader effort by North Carolina health providers to limit the spread of respiratory viruses. Other major healthcare providers in the state, such as Atrium Health, have also implemented visitor restrictions, including requiring masks in emergency department waiting areas and direct patient care zones.
It is important to note that the visitor restrictions at Novant Health hospitals are subject to change. As of February 2022, Novant Health adjusted its visitor restrictions as COVID-19 levels declined across North Carolina. This demonstrates that the hospital system is actively monitoring the situation and adjusting its policies accordingly.
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COVID-19 restrictions for visitors in North Carolina hospitals
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in North Carolina have implemented various restrictions on visitors to protect patient and staff safety. While specific regulations may vary across different healthcare facilities, there are several common measures in place.
One consistent restriction across hospitals in North Carolina is the requirement for all visitors to undergo screening protocols before entering the premises. This typically includes completing a health questionnaire, undergoing a temperature check, and adhering to face mask mandates while inside the facility. Visitors who refuse to comply with these safety measures may be denied entry or asked to leave.
In terms of visitation policies, hospitals generally allow a limited number of visitors per patient, with some facilities permitting only one visitor at a time. The visiting hours and duration may also be restricted to specific time slots, such as between 4 PM and 8 PM. Certain hospitals provide exceptions for pediatric patients, allowing one parent or designated caregiver to remain with the child throughout their inpatient stay.
For patients with COVID-19, visitation policies tend to be more stringent. Some hospitals, such as Cape Fear Valley Health, have announced that COVID-19 patients will no longer be allowed to have any visitors. However, end-of-life patients without COVID-19 may be granted permission to have up to four visitors at a time, while those with COVID-19 can have two immediate family members for a one-time, two-hour visit.
Notably, North Carolina lawmakers have passed bills guaranteeing the right of patients to receive visits from family members and clergy during emergencies, including pandemics. This legislation, known as the "No Patient Left Behind" bill, underscores the importance of human connection and support during challenging times.
It is important to recognize that these restrictions are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Hospitals may periodically update their policies to align with changing public health guidelines and community transmission rates. Therefore, it is advisable to check the official websites or contact the specific hospitals in North Carolina for the most up-to-date information regarding visitation restrictions related to COVID-19.
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Visitor restrictions at Atrium Health hospitals in North Carolina
In January 2025, Atrium Health, a major healthcare provider in North Carolina, announced temporary visitor restrictions across its hospitals in response to the rise in respiratory illnesses. These restrictions include barring children 12 years and below from entering acute care hospitals, emergency rooms, and rehab units. Additionally, all visitors to Atrium Health hospitals are required to wear masks in emergency department waiting areas and direct patient care zones.
Atrium Health has previously implemented and eased visitor restrictions in line with the state's phased approach to lifting restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, as North Carolina began phasing in certain types of businesses, Atrium Health also eased some of its visitation restrictions. Patients undergoing surgery or procedures requiring sedation were allowed to have one designated companion. At the time, all approved visitors were required to undergo standardized screening, including temperature checks, wear masks, comply with social distancing guidelines, and remain in designated areas.
Headquartered in Charlotte, Atrium Health serves North Carolina and South Carolina, employing over 65,000 people across its hospitals, doctors, and healthcare locations.
It is important to note that visitor restrictions at Atrium Health hospitals in North Carolina may change over time. For the most up-to-date information on visitor restrictions, it is recommended to refer to the official Atrium Health website or contact their patient or visitor services directly.
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Visitor guidelines for nursing homes in North Carolina
As of May 2020, North Carolina was in phase one of its three-phased approach to lift restrictions. While there is no announced date for the implementation of phase two, it is expected to include the limited opening of restaurants, bars, and other businesses that can follow strict safety protocols. During phase one, only takeout, drive-thru, or delivery services are permitted. Public gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people, and social distancing guidelines are still in place.
In September 2020, state public health officials announced that visitors would be allowed in nursing homes and long-term care facilities in North Carolina. Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and must wear a face mask. The new visitation rules will apply to facilities that haven't had any positive COVID-19 cases in a 14-day span in counties where the positive rate is less than 10%.
In March 2021, federal regulators allowed nursing home visits from loved ones. However, questions remain about how the new policies will work. According to North Carolina law, licensed nursing homes cannot revoke a resident's right to visitors completely, even in the event of a disaster or emergency. Each nursing home resident is allowed to select two pre-approved visitors: a primary visitor and an alternate visitor. The alternate visitor is contacted if the primary visitor is unavailable. Residents are allowed two visits from either their primary or alternate visitors per month during a disaster or state of emergency.
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Central Carolina Hospital's visitor policy
As of December 2021, no visitors were allowed for patients in Atlantic Health Hospitals in North Carolina, except in limited cases. This was in accordance with the state's phased approach to lifting restrictions. While one report mentions that visitors were allowed in hospitals in Outer Banks, it is unclear if this was a statewide decision.
Central Carolina Hospitals Visitor Policy
Central Carolina Hospital provides patient and family-centred care by recommending visitation schedules that are appropriate to the level of care. General visiting may occur throughout the day until 8:30 pm. Two well visitors are allowed per eligible patient at a time, with the option to rotate. Visitation for inpatients is from 9 am to 8:30 pm daily, except for labour and delivery and the ICU. For the ICU, two well visitors are allowed from 12 pm to 6 pm daily or at the discretion of the staff. Labouring mothers may designate two support people to stay with them during labour and delivery, including a doula. Postpartum patients may have two well visitors at a time, including one designated support person who stays with the mother for her length of stay. Clergy members are welcome in addition to a patient's one well visitor. Volunteer clergy members who have completed orientation may visit patients 24/7 with their ID badge. Other clergy members may visit outside of regular business hours as requested for end-of-life care and must enter through the Emergency Department entrance for after-hours screening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the number of visitors allowed varies. Novant Health hospitals allow an unrestricted number of visitors for most patients, while Central Carolina Hospital (CCH) allows only one well-visitor for outpatients. Local North Carolina hospital system Atrium Health has limited visitors to hospitals as of November 16, 2022, asking that children 12 and under do not visit.
Yes, visitor restrictions remain in place for COVID-19 positive patients who are hospitalized or in the emergency room, as well as patients who are being tested for COVID-19. Visitors are required to complete a screening questionnaire and a temperature check. They must also wear a mask.
Yes, exceptions may be granted in special circumstances, such as end-of-life care. Children of all ages are allowed to accompany adults to appointments if childcare is unavailable.
No, the restrictions vary by hospital system and location. For example, Novant Health's restrictions apply to their hospitals in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Brunswick, Forsyth, and other cities in North Carolina.
Yes, in addition to the screening and mask requirements, hospitals may limit entrances and exits to centralize foot traffic and enforce specific visitation hours. Visitor areas must be disinfected with an approved disinfectant after each visit.
