Erie County Medical Center on Friday reduced patient visiting hours and limited the number of visitors allowed in the Grider Street hospital, joining other local medical facilities that have made similar policy changes in the face of a Covid-19 surge.
ECMC announced visiting hours for inpatient rooms are 3 to 7 p.m. until further notice, and only one designated visitor will be allowed for the duration of a patient's stay, except in end-of-life situations, when two will be permitted.
In critical care units, visiting hours are 4:30 to 6 p.m., with the same limits on who may visit. No visitors will be allowed to see Covid-19 patients "with compassionate exceptions for end of life."
Only one support person will be allowed in the emergency department and trauma unit.
No visitors under age 18 are allowed. Visitors must wear masks at all times – except when eating – and obey social distancing rules. They must pass a health screening at the entrance checkpoint.
