HealthPartners issues temporary restrictive guidelines for hospital, clinic visitors

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – HealthPartners today issued additional guidelines restricting visitors to its hospitals and clinics.

Hospitals

Effective Wednesday, March 18, visitors will not be allowed in hospitals across the HealthPartners care system, with limited exceptions.

No visitors are allowed in hospitals, with the following exceptions:

• Newborn, special care nursery and pediatric patients: Parents and/or legal guardians
• Birth center patients: One support person
• Compassionate care patients (end of life): Hospital discretion used for exceptions
• Outpatient and clinic departments on a hospital campus (e.g., cardiology, oncology) will follow clinic visitor guidelines (see below)

Children will not be able to visit for their safety.

“We’re working hard to prevent the spread of the virus, and limiting contact with people who have COVID-19 is an important part of our prevention efforts,” said Mark Sannes, MD, Park Nicollet infectious disease specialist. “We’re applying these guidelines to protect our patients, employees and community.”

Visitors who meet exception criteria will be screened for wellness upon arriving to a facility. If a visitor has a cough, fever, exposure to COVID-19 or positive screening for COVID-19 symptoms, they will not be allowed to visit.

Clinic sites

Effective Tuesday, March 17, the following visitor guidelines apply:

• Only one person may accompany a patient to a clinic appointment or urgent care visit.
• All patients and visitors will be screened for symptoms and COVID-19 risk at each visit.
• Visitors who are sick will not be allowed to accompany the patient.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this critical time,” said Dr. Sannes. “We’re encouraging visitors to find other ways to connect with their loved ones when possible, such as FaceTime, Skype or phone calls.”