Beebe updates visitation policy
Beebe Healthcare updated its visitation policy April 4 for the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, allowing two well visitors and changing visiting hours.
Visiting hours are no longer restricted, but some exceptions may apply, officials said. After 9 p.m., visitors will need to use the emergency department entrance.
Masking is still required at Beebe facilities for team members, patients and visitors. The Centers for Disease Control and Occupational Safety and Health Administration have not lifted this mandate for healthcare organizations, despite the loosening of many restrictions across the community. Officials said all visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask, and one will be provided for those who do not have one upon check-in. This policy includes the Lewes campus, South Coastal Health Campus and Tunnell Cancer Center.
As a continuation of Beebe’s existing policy, officials said, visitors are not permitted for COVID-19 patients and patients under suspicion for COVID-19, except for special circumstances. Additional considerations are made for labor & delivery, surgery patients and end-of-life patients.
“We know that families are part of the healing process,” said Dr. David A. Tam, Beebe Healthcare president and chief executive officer. “We’re so glad to welcome more family and friends into our facility to help their loved ones recover. We’re thrilled to continue offering Hospital at Home for patients who meet the criteria as well. Thank you for being our partner throughout this pandemic as we continue to adapt.”
Booster updates
On March 29, the CDC recommended a second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for certain immunocompromised persons and those over age 50. Officials said those under age 18 should contact their pediatrician.
“Community members who fit the criteria should consider getting a booster,” said Dr. Bill Chasanov, chief population health officer and COVID-19 medical director at Beebe Healthcare. “It is estimated that the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron accounts for half the cases in the United States and is surging in Europe. This does not necessarily mean another surge, but it does mean we should all take precautions and protect ourselves, our family members, and our immunocompromised community.”
Per the CDC, the second booster is for:
- People who received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for their first shot and booster
- Adults ages 50 years and older
- People who have certain immunocompromising conditions.
Beebe has streamlined its online scheduling for vaccines or tests at beebehealthcare.org/covid-19/vaccine.
