APPLETON — As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in Northeast and Central Wisconsin, ThedaCare is implementing heightened visitor restrictions and safety precautions throughout the system. The restrictions will help team members continue to care for communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure.
Screeners will continue to be present at all ThedaCare hospitals, checking patients, visitors and team members upon entrance, according to a news release.
Masks will continue to be required by all team members, patients and visitors in any public setting on ThedaCare campuses. This includes hallways, cafeterias, elevators, waiting rooms and all clinical areas. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.
“For nearly two years, we have monitored and proactively adjusted our plans, following guidance from health organizations,” said Dr. Michael Hooker, ThedaCare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care in the news release. “To help ensure the safest environment possible for our patients, team members and communities, we ask that everyone continue following recommendations including wearing a mask, staying home when ill, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently, getting vaccinated and receiving a booster dose if eligible.”
Restrictions will be in place at hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose.
Restrictions include:
- No visitors for COVID-positive or non-COVID patients, except limited, approved, pre-arranged visitation for end of life. Those situations will be pre-arranged through care teams.
- For Family Birth Care, visitors will be strictly limited to one essential person throughout the entire stay. No children are allowed.
- One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
- Please do not visit, or accompany patients, if you are experiencing common COVID-19 symptoms, including: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. Call your primary care provider to direct you to appropriate care.
- Visitors who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or do not comply with masking guidelines, will be asked to leave.
Other details about specific locations:
| ThedaCare Hospitals and Surgery Centers | No visitors for COVID positive patients except limited, approved, pre-arranged visitation for end of life. Those situations will pre-arranged through care teams. No visitors for non-COVID patients, including in the Emergency Department. Anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances. Surgical patients will not be permitted to have visitor wait for them in facilities. One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility). For Family Birth Care, visitors will be strictly limited to one essential person throughout the entire stay. No children are allowed. Patients presenting for Outpatient Care in a hospital setting are allowed to enter with their minor children if no alternative. Children must be masked at all times. Visitors who are showing signs of illness will be asked to leave the facility. Additional restrictions may be imposed based on the clinical status of the patient or provider judgment. |
| ThedaCare Clinics | To limit visitors in waiting areas and clinical spaces, patients should come to their appointments alone. One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility). Patients presenting for Outpatient Care are allowed to enter with their minor children if no alternative. Children must be masked at all times. |
| The Heritage, Peabody Manor and Juliette Manor | Visitors are permitted. For the protection of residents, limited visitors are recommended. Visitors will be screened and masks are required. All visits must occur in resident rooms or designated area. Please do not visit if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. |
| ThedaCare Emergency Departments | No visitors permitted. Only one parent/guardian allowed to accompany minor, or a patient with medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility). |
| Regional Cancer Center | To limit exposure in waiting areas and clinical spaces, visitors are not permitted to attend in-person appointments or wait in waiting areas. One visitor may accompany a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility), as determined by the patient. Anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances. |
“ThedaCare will continue to monitor and adapt visitor restrictions and screening guidelines as necessary to protect our patients, team members and visitors,” said Dr. Hooker. “We appreciate the understanding and support from our communities as we continue to fight COVID-19.”
For more information about COVID-19, vaccines, testing, visitor restrictions and other important news and updates, please visit thedacarecovid19.org/.
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