LVHN Tightens Visitation Policy Amid COVID-19 Surge

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (Dec. 23, 2021) Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is requesting all visitors be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to provide more protection to staff and patients amid the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, including infections from the omicron variant.

“Taking additional visitation precautions is vital to help safeguard patients as well as physicians, nurses and other caregivers in all hospitals in the health network,” said Alex Benjamin, MD, Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, LVHN. “We know the restrictions may pose challenges and inconvenience for some, but they’re necessary under current conditions.”

In addition to the vaccination request, LVHN is limiting visitation in adult inpatient units, including all critical care, medical-surgical and low-level monitoring units to two visitors. Those visitors must be designated for the patient’s entire hospital stay, meaning only the selected individuals can visit. Visitors will be allowed from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.

All visitors are always required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose and should always remain in the patient’s room.

In addition, visitors are not permitted to eat or drink while visiting patients and are asked to use café areas for food and beverages.

“Taking additional visitation precautions is vital to help safeguard patients as well as physicians, nurses and other caregivers in all hospitals in the health network,” said Alex Benjamin, MD, Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, LVHN. “We know the restrictions may pose challenges and inconvenience for some, but they’re necessary under current conditions.”

Those not complying with the new guidelines could lose visitation privileges.

For expectant mothers, one support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed and both must be designated for the duration of the hospital stay. Visitation is allowed regardless of time of day at the discretion of clinical staff.  A doula is allowed.

Visitation policies can vary by unit. For regulations on hospital areas including women and children’s units, cancer care, behavioral health and more, please visit LVHN.org/visitation.

“The pandemic continues to exact a heavy toll and many of our COVID-19 hospitalizations are preventable,” said Benjamin. “Please consider getting vaccinated if you have not done so yet and schedule your booster if eligible.”