Tessa Quinn
Visitors are now allowed in New Jersey hospitals after a 14-week coronavirus lockdown. However, there are strict rules in place. For example, visitors must be over 18 and must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the hospitals. They must also undergo a symptoms check and temperature check before being allowed to visit. Each hospital has its own rules, but generally, visitors are allowed from 11 am to 7 pm, with some hospitals allowing visits by appointment only.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | University Hospital, Newark, NJ; Hackensack Meridian Health; Atlantic Health Hospitals |
| Visitor restrictions | Varying restrictions based on the hospital and patient type |
| COVID-19 patients | Generally not allowed except in approved circumstances by the care team |
| Pediatric patients | One or two parents/guardians allowed, with special wristbands and COVID-19 positive parents must be asymptomatic and wear two hospital-issued masks |
| Immunocompromised patients | No visitors allowed except in approved circumstances by the care team |
| Other patients | May have one or two visitors at a time, depending on the hospital |
| Visitor requirements | Must be over 18, wear appropriate PPE, undergo symptom and temperature checks, and perform hand hygiene |
| Visitation hours | Vary by hospital, generally between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm or 10:00 pm |
| Visitation duration | May be limited by the hospital |
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What You'll Learn
- Hospitals in New Jersey allowed visitors after a 14-week COVID-19 lockdown
- Visitors must wear personal protective equipment and undergo temperature and symptom checks
- One support person is allowed for adult patients during the initial assessment
- Pediatric patients can have one parent or designated caregiver for the duration of their stay
- COVID-19 patients may receive visitors under special circumstances approved by the care team
Hospitals in New Jersey allowed visitors after a 14-week COVID-19 lockdown
After a 14-week COVID-19 lockdown, hospitals in New Jersey are allowing visitors again, but with strict rules in place. The state Health Department has outlined guidelines that allow hospitals and surgery centers to permit visitors, and individual hospitals have set their own policies.
For example, Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest hospital and healthcare provider in New Jersey, is allowing visits to COVID-19 patients by appointment only. They are also permitting outdoor visitation by appointment only at their nursing and rehabilitation visitation centers. Each patient is limited to two visitors at a time, and visitors must remain in the patient's room as much as possible. Similarly, the RWJBarnabas Health network is prohibiting visits with COVID-19 patients, except for extenuating circumstances such as hospice or end-of-life situations. They are allowing visitors to adult inpatient acute care units from noon to 8 p.m., but there will be no visitation in the behavioral health adult units.
University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, has implemented a color-coded system for their visitation policy. In the "green" category, hospital visitors are permitted with some limits. COVID-19 patients and immunocompromised individuals may receive visitors in circumstances approved by the care team, while other patients may have two visitors at a time. In the "yellow" category, hospital visitors are permitted but limited to one visitor at a time, with the same exceptions for COVID-19 patients and immunocompromised individuals. In the "red" category, no visitors are allowed, except for limited exceptions in pediatrics, labor and delivery, end-of-life situations, and patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities.
Atlantic Health Hospitals have suspended visitation for all patients as of December 27, with limited exceptions. Visitors must be over 18 years old and receive prior approval from the care team. They must also complete a COVID screening and wear a face mask and PPE while in the facility. One parent or designated caregiver may remain with a child throughout their inpatient hospital stay, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) permits two visitors during visiting hours (8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.).
These policies aim to balance the need for family support and connection during hospitalization while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of patients, visitors, and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Visitors must wear personal protective equipment and undergo temperature and symptom checks
As of December 27, 2021, Atlantic Health Hospitals in Mendham, New Jersey, prohibited visitors for patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 unless they received prior approval from the care team. In cases where visitors were allowed, they were required to be over 18 years old and to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and a face mask. They also had to undergo a COVID screening, including a temperature and symptom check.
University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, has a similar policy. Visitors must wear appropriate PPE, undergo symptom and temperature checks, and perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient. Bandanas, gaiters, and masks with exhalation valves are not permitted because they do not provide sufficient protection.
In June 2020, New Jersey hospitals allowed visitors with many restrictions. Visitors were required to wear personal protective gear provided by the hospitals and undergo a symptom check. They were also asked to remain in the patient's room as much as possible throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital staff to leave for specific procedures.
Some hospital networks, such as Hackensack Meridian Health, allowed visitation to COVID-19 patients by appointment only. They also permitted outdoor visitation by appointment only at their nursing and rehabilitation visitation centers.
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One support person is allowed for adult patients during the initial assessment
In New Jersey, hospitals have set out strict rules regarding visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most hospitals have restricted visitation, exceptions are made for support persons accompanying adult patients during their initial assessment. This support person is allowed to be present to answer questions and provide information to the care team. It is important to note that the support person may be asked to leave once the necessary information has been provided.
Atlantic Health Hospitals in Mendham, New Jersey, for example, allows one support person for adult patients during the initial assessment. This support person must be over 18 years of age and is subject to visiting hours, which are typically between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Prior approval from the physician or care team is required, and the support person may need to undergo a COVID screening and wear a face mask and PPE.
University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, also permits hospital visitors with some limitations. While they do not specifically mention support persons during the initial assessment, they allow one visitor at a time for most patients, who must follow masking, symptom screening, and other precautions. Visitors are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, undergo symptom and temperature checks, and perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.
Similarly, Hackensack Meridian Health nursing and rehabilitation visitation centers allow outdoor visitation by appointment only. Each patient is limited to two visitors at a time, and visitors must adhere to state guidelines, including wearing personal protective gear provided by the hospitals. Visitation hours are typically from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and visitors must remain in the patient's room as much as possible.
It is important to note that visitation policies may vary across different hospitals in New Jersey. While support persons for adult patients during the initial assessment are generally permitted, each hospital has its own specific guidelines and restrictions. It is always best to check with the individual hospital to confirm their current visitation policies and any necessary requirements or approvals.
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Pediatric patients can have one parent or designated caregiver for the duration of their stay
In New Jersey, visitation policies in hospitals vary across different healthcare providers. However, as of December 2021, most hospitals have implemented strict rules regarding visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pediatric Patients
At Atlantic Health Hospitals, parents or caregivers of pediatric patients will receive special wristbands for identification. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at this hospital permits two visitors during visiting hours, which are from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Other Visitation Policies
At University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, visitation policies are categorized into three levels: Green, Yellow, and Red. During the Green and Yellow levels, no visitors are allowed for COVID-19 patients unless approved by the care team. Other patients may have one or two visitors, depending on the level, and must follow masking, symptom screening, and other safety precautions. During the Red level, there are no visitors allowed except for limited exceptions, which may include pediatrics, labor and delivery, and end-of-life situations.
Hackensack Meridian Health requires visits for patients with COVID-19 to be done by appointment only. Visitation hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and each patient is limited to two visitors at a time. Food is not permitted during visits.
It is important to note that visitation policies may change over time, and specific hospitals may have their own unique guidelines. Visitors must adhere to safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, undergoing symptom and temperature checks, and maintaining hand hygiene.
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COVID-19 patients may receive visitors under special circumstances approved by the care team
As of December 2021, no visitors were allowed for COVID-19 patients at Atlantic Health Hospitals in New Jersey, except under special circumstances with prior approval from the care team. This applied to Chilton, Hackettstown, Newton, Overlook, and Morristown medical centers, as well as Goryeb Children's Hospital.
At University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, COVID-19 patients are also not allowed visitors except in circumstances approved by the care team.
COVID-19 patients at UC Health may receive visitors under special circumstances at the discretion and agreement of the care team.
BCHS also notes that special consideration may be given for visitors seeing a palliative patient, and these circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Nuvance Health states that visitors may be allowed for COVID-19 patients if they are asymptomatic and wear a medical-grade face mask when necessary.
Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest hospital and healthcare provider in New Jersey, requires visits for COVID-19 patients to be done by appointment only.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of June 2020, visitors have been allowed in hospitals in New Jersey. However, this depends on the hospital and each hospital has its own set of rules and restrictions.
Visitors must be over 18 years old and must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the hospital. They must undergo a symptoms and temperature check before entering the hospital and must remain in the patient's room throughout the visit.
Yes, there are exceptions for patients receiving end-of-life care, pediatric patients, and caregivers for patients with special needs.
Visiting hours vary depending on the hospital, but they are generally between 10 am and 8 pm. Some hospitals may allow outdoor visitation by appointment only.
