Following CDPH State Public Health Order changes, visitor screening will no longer include checking COVID-19 vaccination status or requiring COVID-19 testing of visitors. Visitors are expected to follow the masking requirements and general visitation guidelines held by Palomar Health.

**These guidelines are based on current health conditions in our community and are subject to change as conditions change. The following visitor limitations are in place:

Visiting hours are restricted to 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. for inpatient units.

• Exceptions may be considered for patients at end-of-life, or patients with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments. This must be approved in advance by the patient’s care team.
• Up to 2 – 4 visitors/support persons at a time are allowed to visit/accompany a patient in the hospital. More than 4 visitors is at the discretion of the patient care unit staff.

Visiting hours for the Emergency Department are 24 hours a day.

• Up to 2 – 4 visitors/support person at a time are allowed to accompany a patient in the emergency department. More than 4 visitors is at the discretion of the ED staff.

All patients may have visitors regardless of vaccination status and must comply with hospital visitor guidelines.

• Patients in Airborne precautions for Tuberculosis are prohibited.

All visitors need to screen themselves prior to entry for COVID-19 signs and symptoms.

• Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to visit.

All visitors will be given a wristband and required to always wear a well-fitting face mask upon entry and within the building, including in patient rooms.

• Surgical mask is recommended. Gaiters, bandanas, and masks with small plastic valves on the front are not permitted.
• Additional PPE the healthcare team deems appropriate while in the patient’s room may also be required.

Eating/drinking is not allowed in the lobbies or patient rooms. Visitors may eat/drink in the cafeteria.

Social distancing must be practiced. If any visitors are not willing to comply with all infection control guidelines, they can be asked to leave.

Labor and Delivery

• 3 visitors allowed (all ages)
  • significant other counts as a visitor
  • A certified doula is permitted

Postpartum

• 4 visitors allowed (8am-10pm)
  • significant other counts as a visitor
  • All ages allowed
• 1 adult over 18 years old permitted for overnight stay

Please refer to the NICU department for the most up to date visitation guidelines.

• NICU Escondido 442-281-3180
• NICU Poway 858-613-4143

Any visitor entering the facility, regardless of their vaccination status, must adhere to the following:

• All visitors must be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposure within the prior 14 days to another person with COVID-19; if a visitor has COVID-19 symptoms or has been in close contact with a confirmed positive case, they must reschedule their visit, regardless of their vaccination status.
• All visitors must wear a well-fitting face mask with good filtration (N95, KF94, KN95, or surgical masks are preferred over cloth face coverings) and perform hand hygiene upon entry and in all common areas in the facility;
• If personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for contact with the resident due to COVID-19 positive isolation status (including fully vaccinated visitors), it must be donned and doffed according to instruction by HCP.
• Facilities should limit visitor movement in the facility, regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status; for example, visitors should not walk around the hallways of the facility and should go directly to and from the resident’s room or designated visitation area.
• Visitors who have tested positive for COVID-19 should not be permitted to visit or should be asked to leave if they are still within their isolation period (within 10 days of their positive test). Under such circumstances, facilities must offer alternatives for remote (Skype, etc.) or telephone visitation. Staff should provide monitoring for those who may have difficulty adhering to core principles, such as children.