COVID-19 Safety Precautions Remain in Place

Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new guidelines for activities following full vaccination, Saint Luke’s Health System will continue all of our existing guidelines and precautions at our facilities until further notice.

While COVID-19 case numbers are moving in the right direction, Saint Luke's wants to ensure the safety of everyone until our community is more fully vaccinated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re taking extra precautions with the safety of patients, visitors, and staff in mind.

• Mandatory masking – Visitors must wear masks at all times throughout their visit in a Saint Luke’s facility. A cloth mask is acceptable as long as it covers your nose and mouth. Masks that are not acceptable include: gaiters, bandanas, masks with vents or valves, and face shields. We encourage medical-grade masks and can provide visitors one for each visit.
• Screening upon arrival – When you arrive at a Saint Luke’s facility, you will be asked about any potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms. Your temperature will also be taken upon arrival.
• General visitor information 
  • No visitors under 14, except in certain circumstances
  • No visitors will be allowed to enter who, in the past 14 days, have:
    • Been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or suspected of having COVID-19
    • Been diagnosed with COVID-19
    • Symptoms including: 
      • Fever of 100 degrees or higher
      • Loss of smell or taste
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath
      • Diarrhea
      • Sore throat
      • Body aches
• Online visits
  • Saint Luke’s Family and Friends Program helps patients connect with their loved ones through Webex online meeting technology on an iPad we provide. Call your care team to schedule a visit with your loved one.

See below for details on specific guidelines at each of our facilities, including long-term care facilities.

Level 4 guidelines

Clinics & Offices

• Visitor guidelines
  • 1 visitor per patient
  • This guideline does not include women's health clinics. We continue to abide by a no-visitors policy at these clinics as an added precaution. No children or other visitors may accompany the patient.
  • No visitors under 14
• eCheck-In – For patients with a mySaintLuke’s patient portal account, we encourage you to use the eCheck-In feature ahead of your appointment. When you arrive at your appointment, you will need to stop at the check-in desk for screening, but completing your eCheck-In ahead of time will speed up that process. If you do not have a mySaintLuke’s account, signing up is easy. See: how to use eCheck-In.
  • Please note, eCheck-In is not required for in-person visits at Saint Luke’s Convenient Care clinics.
• Additional time – With screening prior to entry, please allow extra time to get to your appointment. Your clinic will let you know the ideal time to arrive.
• Monitor symptoms – If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or develop any new symptoms within 14 days before your appointment, it’s important to call your clinic.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please call your provider's clinic.

Emergency Department

• One visitor per patient during ED visit
• No visitors under 14
• Visit must take place in one uninterrupted session (no exit/re-entry of hospital)
• Forensic patient advocates are considered part of the care team – 1 advocate per patient

Hospitals

• Only 1 visitor per patient allowed per day
• No visitors under 14
• Visit must take place in one uninterrupted session (no exit/re-entry of hospital)
• Visitors are not permitted for patients who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, except in end-of-life circumstances.
• Visiting hours are 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., unless patient requires a visitor stay overnight. If patient is under 18 or cognitively impaired, 1 visitor is allowed 24/7.

Special Considerations

• End-of-life circumstances in situations where confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is not involved:
  • 4 designated visitors are permitted per patient, with 2 visitors permitted in the room at one time for a 2-hour visit (recommended)
  • Outside clergy permitted and does not count toward visitor total
  • Visit must take place in one uninterrupted session (no exit/re-entry of room)
• End-of-life situations for patients who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19:
  • 2 designated visitors are permitted per patient, with 1 visitor permitted in the room at one time for a 2-hour visit (recommended)
  • Outside clergy permitted and does not count toward visitor total
  • Visitor must wear personal protective equipment, provided by staff
  • Visit must take place in one uninterrupted session (no exit/re-entry of room)
• Please note, any individual granted an exception who has exposure, symptoms, or a temperature 100 degrees or higher will not be allowed to enter.

Please contact the department supervisor if you have any questions.

Surgery & Procedures

• 1 visitor per patient to assist
• Surgical team will instruct visitor on appropriate place to wait during surgery

Maternity

Antepartum

• If you’re admitted for observation or bed rest, 1 designated support person per day, no re-entry

Labor & Delivery

• 1 designated support person
• 1 doula
• Support person and doula may not leave and return—they must remain with the patient the entire duration of the stay

NICU

• 2 visitors are allowed 1 visit per day, no re-entry – limited to parents/legal guardians of the infant

Crittenton Children's Center

• All visits must be scheduled ahead of time
• 2 visitors per resident per week, limited to parents/legal guardians, case manager, or assigned visiting mentor
• Only 1 parent/legal guardian permitted for intake assessment
• Visits are available Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
• Visits will take place in the cafeteria, with the possibility of going outside if the weather is nice

Saint Luke's Hospice House

• Visitation must be approved by the Saint Luke’s Hospice House team
• 2 visitors per day, plus 1 outside clergy member
• No visitors under 14

Special Considerations:

• If the patient has confirmed or suspected COVID-19:
  • 2 designated visitors
    • One visit per day, no re-entry
  • 1 outside clergy member may visit one time
  • No visitors under 14
  • Visitor must wear personal protective equipment provided by staff

Long-term care visitation

Saint Luke's Bishop Spencer Place

• Visitors are permitted
  • Visitors must pass all screening criteria, wear a mask at all times, and maintain 6-feet of social distance
  • No visitors under 14
  • Outdoor visits – 2 visitors, one 2-hour visit per day
  • Indoor visits – 2 visitors, one 1-hour visit per day
• Call 816-931-4277 with questions Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• For end of life or compassionate care situations:
  • 2 visitors for one 2-hour visit per day
  • 1 outside clergy member
  • No visitors under 14

Residential Living Center at Anderson County Hospital

• Visitors are permitted
  • Visitors must pass all screening criteria, wear a mask at all times, and maintain 6-feet of social distance
  • No visitors under 14
  • Outdoor visits – 2 visitors, one 2-hour visit per day
  • Indoor visits – 2 visitors, one 1-hour visit per day
• Call 785-204-4031 with questions Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• For end of life or compassionate care situations:
  • 2 visitors for one 2-hour visit per day
  • 1 outside clergy member
  • No visitors under 14