Twin Co. Regional Healthcare updates visitor policies

GALAX, Va. (WFXR) — In order to protect patients, employees, and community members amid the coronavirus pandemic, Twin County Regional Healthcare implemented new visitation guidelines this week.

Officials say the visitation policies for this Galax-based hospital system are determined by the COVID-19 positivity rates in the Twin County region, as well as state and federal guidance.

According to Twin County Regional Healthcare, the following visitation protocols went into effect on Monday, March 7:

• For all visitors of coronavirus and non-coronavirus patients:
  • Visitors will be required to wear a mask at all times while in the facility.
  • If you have any symptoms of infectious conditions, you should not visit the facility.
  • If you are running a temperature, are under quarantine for COVID-19, or are symptomatic, do not visit the facility.
  • Visitors under the age of 12 must be supervised.
  • Visitors are encouraged to practice hand-washing before arriving at the facility, before entering a patient’s room, and before leaving the facility.
  • Visitors are asked to follow unit-specific guidelines.
• For visitors of coronavirus patients:
  • The guidelines listed above still apply.
  • Visitation is limited to one visitor at a time for each COVID-positive patient.
  • No visitors under the age of 16 will be allowed unless there are special circumstances.
  • Visitors will receive instructions before entering the patient care area involving hand hygiene, limiting contact with surfaces, and the use of PPE based on the current facility policy while in the patient’s room.
  • Visitors must wear full PPE while inside the patient’s room, as well as properly remove the PPE before leaving the room.
  • Visitor movement within the facility will be limited to the patient’s room, which means the visitor will be directed to leave the facility after exiting the patient’s room.
  • Visitors will not be present during aerosol generating procedures, such as BiPAP and intubated patients.

We are continuing to work closely with the Mount Rogers Health District and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure the safety of our patients, the clinical teams who have been caring for this patient and all those within our facility.

Our hospital is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond. We have been preparing for the potential of COVID-19 in our community building upon the robust emergency operations plan we have in place year-round.

We want to reassure our communities that it is safe to come to the hospital should you or your family need care. We stand ready to serve you. 

Statement posted on the Twin County Regional Healthcare’s COVID-19 page

For more information about Twin County Regional Healthcare’s visitation policy and pandemic preparedness recommendations, click here.