Hospital Visitor Policy

Updated: August 2023

To protect our patients, staff, visitors and the community, Covenant HealthCare has the following visitor guidelines in place. Our patient care philosophy depends greatly on engaging families to be part of the healing process.

For patients admitted to the hospital or Emergency Care Center, we welcome a maximum of two (2) healthy visitors per patient at a time, as space allows. In our outpatient testing areas, Surgical Services, Cancer Care, and physician offices, we welcome one (1) designated healthy support person per patient.

  • These guidelines apply to all patients. If visiting a patient with a diagnosed or suspected infectious disease (i.e., Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, etc.), proper personal protective equipment must be worn at all times.
  • Visitation by children under the age of 12 is strongly discouraged; however, they may visit in extenuating circumstances with nursing approval and may be time limited. When possible, please arrange for the visit ahead of time. (note exceptions for Birth Center below)
  • Any children visitors under the age of 16 must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient and must never be left unattended. Child visitors are not allowed to spend the night. (Exceptions will be made for breastfeeding mothers).
  • Visiting hours within the hospital are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. (note exceptions for Birth Center below)
  • Exceptions may be made for special circumstances, critical patients, or end-of-life.

Additional Details/Exceptions:

  • The pediatric inpatient unit will allow four (4) designated visitors and two (2) may visit at a time. Only one (1) parent/guardian may spend the night in the patient room at a time.
  • The pediatric surgical recovery area will allow two (2) parents/guardians.
  • Two (2) healthy parents or guardians may visit the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU).
  • Patients undergoing surgery or procedure may have one (1) visitor. To support social distancing, once the procedure/surgery begins, we ask that visitors accompanying adult patients wait in the common areas. Contact information will be obtained from the support person, and that person will be contacted to return to their loved one when recovery begins.

Our goal is to protect you, your loved ones, and our staff. If you have any questions, please contact our patient experience team at 989.583.7491.

Birth Center Visitation Guidelines

Effective: May 29, 2023

On Monday, May 29, 2023, updated visitation guidelines will go into effect for the Birth Center. Please make note of the details/exceptions.

To protect our patients, staff, visitors and the community, the Birth Center at Covenant has the following visitor guidelines in place. Our patient care philosophy depends greatly on engaging families to be part of the birthing process.

  • During delivery, patients are allowed two (2) designated support people and only those two can be with the patient until the baby is born, and the recovery period is completed.
  • During your post-partum stay, we welcome two (2) healthy visitors per patient at a time, as space allows.
  • No one under the age of 18 is allowed to visit except siblings. Siblings may visit with one (1) adult 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm and can stay for 1 hour. Siblings must be healthy and may be asked to leave if having symptoms of illness.
  • Visiting hours for post-partum patients are 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. After 8:00 pm, only one (1) support person may spend the night in the patient room.
  • No visitors (including clergy) will be allowed in rooms of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 unless there is a special circumstance and/or approval. Appropriate PPE must be worn at all times.

We appreciate your understanding during these changing times. Our goal is to protect patients, loved ones, and staff. If you have any questions, please contact our patient advocate at (989) 583.4317.

Masking Guidelines

Effective: Monday, April 17, 2023 masking will be optional for staff, patients, visitors, and volunteers at Covenant facilities with a few exceptions. (see below for details).

Masking remains required for the following:

  • Those with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (e.g. COVID-19) infection or other respiratory infection (runny nose, coughing, sneezing).
  • Those who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2.
  • Those who have had a high-risk exposure with someone diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2; masking is required 10 days after exposure (for health care workers)
  • Those in a unit experiencing an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection.*
  • Those in the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU).*

*Department/unit leadership will conduct a risk assessment and monitor for any masking changes.

  • Individuals may continue to mask based on personal preference or perceived level of risk.
  • If masks are worn, they must be medical-grade masks issued by Covenant. No personal or cloth masks.
  • Employees must continue to follow proper isolation precautions and other personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.
  • Masking requirement may be reinstituted if SARS-CoV-2 community transmission reaches a high level, an outbreak occurs, or as directed by local, state, or federal health agencies.