DES MOINES, Iowa - Visitor restrictions are back in place at metro Des Moines hospitals beginning Tuesday morning over COVID-19 concerns.
The Polk County Health Department says a major increase in positive cases in Polk and Dallas Counties is the reason for the restrictions.
Visitors are no longer allowed, with just a few exceptions such as if a patient is dying, under 18-years-old, suffering from delirium, receiving emergency treatment or in the maternity ward.
The new visitor ban covers Broadlawns, MercyOne Des Moines and West Des Moines Medical Centers and UnityPoint Health-Des Moines.
The Polk County Health Department first placed visitor restrictions on Des Moines-area hospitals in mid-March due to coronavirus concerns.
Below are the current restrictions:
- A patient is imminently dying. Two caregivers will be allowed at a time; caregivers may rotate at the discretion of the clinical care team. Visitors under the age of 18 may be allowed in this case, at the discretion of the clinical care team.
- The patient is being treated in an Emergency Department (ED)/Trauma Service, outpatient clinic, and/or undergoing surgery. One designated caregiver will be allowed.
- The patient is a minor under the age of 18 years. Two parents/designated caregivers/ guardians at a time will be allowed in the patient’s room to support care of the patient; designated caregivers may rotate at the discretion of the clinical care team.
- The patient is suffering from confusion or delirium. One designated caregiver will be allowed in the patient’s room to support the care of the patient.
- In maternity services (Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, OB ED, MTT), one designated caregiver/support person and 1 certified doula/outside birth coach will be allowed in the patient’s room to support the care of the mother.
Designated caregivers are defined below:
- Siblings under the age of 16 are not allowed.
- Must always remain in patient room as appropriate
- Free from illness such as (fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or runny nose)
- Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas (cafeterias will not be open to the public)