Clinch Valley Health announced today that it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities. The decision was made as current projections continue to indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region and after careful review of state and federal guidance. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per day, have been implemented effective immediately.

“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community,” said Peter Mulkey, chief executive officer (CEO) of Clinch Valley Health. “We continue to monitor closely the prevalence of the virus in our community as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients, and we feel confident that it is safe to begin allowing limited visitors again at this time.”

Updated Visitor Restrictions

• Inpatients will be limited to one WELL visitor per day between the hours of 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. This updated policy excludes Emergency Department patients. Emergency Department visitors are not permitted at this time.

• Visitors will enter through the front entrance under the canopy Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors will enter through the Emergency Department entrance.

• All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry and will be required to wear a mask and armband/sticker at all times while in the facility.

• Visitors are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering and should bring their own from home.

• Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until    they are symptom-free.

• Visitors are NOT allowed for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or respiratory patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.

• We continue to screen everyone who enters our facilities for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines.

• Please utilize alternative methods of communication, including technology, with patients as much as possible.

• When surgical patients arrive at the facility, they will enter through the front entrance under the canopy. We are allowing one person to stay in the waiting room so the physician can talk to the patient's family member/spouse/friend/caregiver after the procedure. The companion will have to be screened and wear a mask the entire time they are here.

• Skilled Nursing Facility patients may have one WELL visitor on Tuesdays between the hours of 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• This visitor restriction excludes OB patients (1 adult visitor), Pediatrics (1 parent or guardian) and patients at end-of-life.

• The Basement Bistro will remain closed to outside patrons coming in to have a meal.

Clinch Valley Health continues to screen everyone who enters the facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines. For additional updates on how the hospital is working to maintain a safe and supportive environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit ClinchValleyHealth.com.