Due to a steady increase in area COVID-19 cases and in an abundance of caution to prevent the continued spread of the virus, Beckley ARH Hospital has resumed visitation restrictions.
Beginning at noon Wednesday, no regular visitation will be permitted at Beckley ARH Hospital. Only the following visitation exceptions will be made:
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- Patients at the end of life – Two (2) people will be allowed to visit. The visitors will undergo appropriate screening, which includes a fever check. No one with a fever greater than 100 degrees is allowed to visit.
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- Pediatric patients – One responsible adult will be permitted to stay with pediatric patient, after appropriate screening, which includes a fever check. No one with a fever greater than 100 degrees is allowed to visit.
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- Once the visitor leaves the patient’s room, he or she must immediately leave the hospital.
Beckley ARH Community CEO Rocky Massey says the changes fall in line with similar actions taken by other Raleigh County medical facilities and area nursing homes.
Massey says the restrictions are brought on by the percentage-positive incline of COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks that could be tied to a relax in efforts to social distance and wear masks during vacations, the Fourth of July holiday and large group gatherings.
“We recognize that these restrictions can be disappointing to our patients and visitors, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” Massey said. “The health and safety of our patients and care team are our top priority as we move through this pandemic, and we must take every measure available to help prevent the spread of this virus within our community.”
Massey said visitors of ARH patients are encouraged to use FaceTime, Skype and phone calls to visit with loved ones in the hospital. Should the patient need assistance with this, they should let a staff member know.