As the number of COVID-19 cases in the region declines, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is welcoming back hospital visitors in select areas.

The following visiting guidelines took effect March 10:

In adult inpatient units, including all critical-care, medical-surgical and low-level monitoring units:

• Visitors are allowed from noon - 8 p.m. Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient-care services leadership.

• Visits are limited to one visitor at a time (does not need to be a designated person). Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient-care services leadership.

• No visitors are allowed for patients with COVID-19, except for patients who are at end-of-life.

• All visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times and should remain in the patient’s room.

• The patient is permitted to eat and drink with visitors in the room. However, visitors should not eat or drink in the patient’s room. Visitors should visit the café to eat or purchase a drink.

• Elevator capacity remains limited to allow for social distancing. Visitors must abide by signs posted in each elevator.

In women and children’s units:

• Pediatric areas, including Children’s ER, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric inpatient unit:

o Two parents-guardians may remain at the bedside at all times.

o One additional, designated support person is allowed at the bedside from noon - 8 p.m.

o Children under age 12 may not visit.

o Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient-care services leadership.

• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU):

o Parents-guardians may designate up to four support adults who may visit one at a time with a parent-guardian in attendance from noon - 8 p.m.

o Bedside visits are limited to two individuals at a time; one individual must be a parent-guardian.

o Children under age 16 may not visit at this time.

• Obstetrical areas:

o In mother-baby and perinatal units, one support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed from noon - 8 p.m.

o Children under age 12 may not visit.

o From 8 p.m.-noon, only the support person is allowed.

o Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient-care services leadership.

• Triage:

o A support person is allowed only until an admission decision is made.

• Labor and delivery:

o One support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed.

o Children under age 12 may not visit.

o During the second stage of labor and delivery, only the support person is allowed to be with the laboring patient.

o Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership.

In behavioral health units:

• No visitors are allowed on adult units.

• One visitor per day is allowed on adolescent units.

Outpatient Appointment Information

For all outpatient appointments, one visitor is permitted to accompany a patient for an outpatient appointment, procedure, same-day surgery or LVPG office visit.

• Visitors will wear a face mask at all times. A mask will be provided to those who arrive without one.

• Visitors will have their temperature taken and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.

• Visitors will follow social-distancing rules.

The visiing guidelines and restrictions will be reviewed and updated based on the latest information and with the safety of patients and colleagues in mind.