MaineHealth has issued a new policy for visitors to its care settings in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. LincolnHealth officially put this policy in place Monday (March 15) at noon.

The new policy is somewhat less strict than the one that went into effect Dec. 4, 2020, when COVID-19 cases in Maine and New Hampshire began to spike. Left in place, however, are restrictions on the number of visitors depending on the care setting and patient’s condition. There are also limits on where visitors can go.

Family and friends should check with the patient’s medical caregiver if they have questions regarding visitation.

“While it is good news that we can start to loosen our visitation rules somewhat, people should understand that we are still in the middle of this pandemic,” said Joan Boomsma, chief medical officer of MaineHealth. “These restrictions are for the protection of patients, employees, visitors, and the public, and are consistent with guidance from governmental authorities and adopted for the purpose of reducing the potential for spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

The policy will be in place at all MaineHealth locations by March 17 and applies to all MaineHealth facilities until further notice.

Visitors/escorts are not permitted in MaineHealth facilities, including LincolnHealth, except under the following circumstances:

Hospital Inpatient Areas:

• Pediatrics: Two parents/guardians allowed in all areas, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.
• Obstetrics: One spouse/coach. Doulas also permitted when the obstetrician is aware of their requested presence and they have been part of the prenatal process.
• All other inpatient areas including critical care: One visitor daily during a specified three-hour time period as defined by the local health system. At LincolnHealth, one visitor will be allowed between noon and 7 p.m. Exceptions may be made at the time of unit admission or for care plan discussions.
• Patients on Palliative Care/Comfort Measures: Two visitors daily, once per day, at times to be managed by the care team.
• End of Life in any inpatient area: Up to four family members may visit patients likely to expire within 24 hours (all areas) – visit times to be managed by the care team.
• Patients in isolation for COVID-19 infection or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection: No visitors except for End of Life.
• Visitors will not be allowed in any units with an active COVID-19 outbreak.

Patient Discharges: Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for pick up.

Outpatient Surgery and Procedural Areas: Adult patients should arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live locally. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

Emergency Departments: One person permitted to accompany patient, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing. Exceptions may be made for care plan discussions as arranged with the care team or for end of life.

Ambulatory/Diagnostic Areas: Adult patients should come alone or arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by two parents/guardians, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

Patients Requiring Special Assistance: Patients in any care setting who need help, such as with mobility or communications with the care team about their medical history or care, may be assisted by an adult escort to provide the needed assistance or support, such necessity to be determined by the care team.

All visitors/escorts are subject to screening for COVID-19. Visitors/escorts with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the facility. Visitor/escorts must perform hand hygiene prior to entering and upon leaving the patient’s room/care area; wear a mask at all times in the facility; and not go to any locations in the facility other than the room of the patient they are visiting. Hospital cafeterias are closed to visitors.