Visitor guidelines at Intermountain Healthcare ease

SALT LAKE CITY — As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decrease, Intermountain Healthcare has eased up on some visitor guidelines.

“Currently we are opening up our visitation [to a point] where people are able to come in,” said Cherie Frame, Intermountain’s director of infection prevention. “We’re trying to get back to that normal prior-to-COVID type of visitation where people can come in at the time that [is] most beneficial to them.”

According to Frame, Intermountain is optimistic about current COVID trends. Some locations may limit visitation time. In most cases, visitors will be able to come whenever is convenient for them. They want people to be able to frequently see their loved ones in the hospital.

Intermountain clinics and InstaCare locations have also removed restrictions on the number of visitors but guidelines vary.

The hospital’s local unit care team will determine the number of visitors for non-COVID patients. Siblings five years and older may visit mom and baby units. Visitors may stay overnight at the discretion of the local care unit.

One visitor at a time may visit patients who have, or show symptoms of, COVID. These patients can have up to two visitors per day. Frame said that visiting guidelines for COVID patients will continue to be tighter.

Additionally, some units, such as Primary Children’s Hospital, may have stricter visitation guidelines and policies. Limitations of the unit type, room size, and the presence of vulnerable patients determine these guidelines. 

Not out of the woods yet

Though some restrictions have been relaxed, visitors will still have to follow certain policies and restrictions.

“We are relaxing some of our restrictions in the sense that people can come and visit,” Frame said. “But, we still want people to know that we are taking care of a very vulnerable population, who is at risk.”

Visitors who have symptoms or live with someone who has symptoms of an active communicable disease will not be allowed in Intermountain facilities. Common areas will require visitors to wear masks. 

Guidelines are subject to change. The most recent updates can be found here.

Lindsay Aerts contributed to the reporting of this article.

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