Visiting Policy

For Patients and Visitors

Effective December 27, 2021

Pursuant to Governor Scott’s Executive Order 01-20, Declaration of State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19 and National Guard Call-Out, the Agency of Human Services has revised the minimum standard for visitation policies and procedures for all hospitals throughout Vermont.

We know family members and loved ones play a key role in supporting and comforting those who are sick and ill. However, as we seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are making temporary changes to our Visitor Policy to protect the health of our patients and employees.

Policy Provisions:

Entrances into all medical buildings and clinics will be restricted, and everyone who enters will be asked the purpose of their visit.
Support people accompanying a patient and all approved visitors will be screened at the main entrance. Those who have respiratory symptoms will not be permitted to enter and should follow-up with their own healthcare providers.
Only ADA service animals are permitted. All other animals, including previously approved therapy dogs/support animals, are not allowed at this time.
All visitors must be masked and maintain a face and nose covering for the entirety of their visit.
Visitors will be required to show the screeners proof of vaccination.
Any approved visitors will be asked to clean their hands upon entry/exit from the building, entry/exit from the unit or clinic, and entry/exit from patient rooms.
No visitors will be permitted with patients suspected of having COVID-19 or who test positive for COVID-19. We will make every effort to support patient and family interaction by deploying the use of technology.
Visitors are asked to remain in the patient’s room for the duration of the visit, limit traffic in hallways and avoid congregating in waiting rooms and lobby before, after, or between visits.
Patients who would benefit from other forms of support during a visit (such as a family member to listen, participate in the discussion, etc.) are encouraged to include support people via phone or other technology.
Exceptions to this policy may be made in extenuating circumstances.
Visitation is allowed between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM. Visitation on weekends is by appointment only, unless the visitor is transporting a patient to the Emergency Department
Approved visitors are able to visit the Copley cafeteria.

Policy

Inpatient /Acute Care:

Patients are allowed one consistent fully vaccinated visitor or support person per day.
Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian, who are fully vaccinated or receive a negative PCR test result at Copley, may stay with their child.

End of Life Care:

The care team will manage decisions on visitation on a case by case basis.
Contact the Infection Prevention RN or CMO if there are questions.

The Birthing Center:

Patients are allowed one support person who is fully vaccinated or who has a negative PCR test result at Copley.
Doulas are considered part of the patient’s care team, and must be fully vaccinated.

Outpatient Clinics (Mansfield Orthopaedics [Morrisville and Waterbury], The Women’s Center, Copley Rehabilitation [Morrisville, Mansfield Orthopaedics, Tamarack Family Medicine, Hardwick Physical Therapy], Multi-Specialty Clinic [Cardiology, General Surgery and Neurology], Laboratory, Radiology:

Visitation is not allowed at this time.
Patients are allowed one consistent fully vaccinated support person if they need special assistance.
Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian may stay with their child.

PeriOperative (Surgical Center):

Visitation is not allowed at this time.
Patients are allowed one consistent fully vaccinated support person.
Pediatric patients: one parent or guardian, who is either vaccinated or has a negative PCR test result at Copley, may stay with their child.

Emergency Department:

Visitation is not allowed at this time.
Patients are allowed one consistent fully vaccinated support person if they need special assistance.
Pediatric patients may have one parent or guardian stay with them.