CDC Masking Requirements Remain in Place

Although new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear masks outdoors or indoors in many settings, the CDC emphasizes that this guidance does not apply in health care facilities.

Per CDC guidance, masks will continue to be required to enter any Saint Luke’s facility until further notice, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

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 3 guidelines

Clinics & Offices

• Visitor guidelines
  • One visitor per 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

• Two visitors per patient during ED visit; visitors may exit and re-enter
• No visitors under 14
• Forensic patient advocates are considered part of the care team – 1 advocate per patient

Hospitals

• Two visitors per patient, per day; visitors may exit and re-enter
• No visitors under 14
• 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, one visitor is allowed 24/7.

Special Considerations

• End-of-life circumstances in situations where confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is not involved:
  • Four designated visitors are permitted per patient, with two visitors permitted in the room at one time
  • Outside clergy permitted and does not count toward visitor total
• End-of-life situations for patients who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19:
  • Two designated visitors are permitted per patient, with one visitor permitted in the room at one time
  • 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

• Prefer 1 visitor per patient, with maximum of 2 visitors if needed
• Surgical team will instruct visitor on appropriate place to wait during surgery

Maternity

Antepartum

• If you’re admitted for observation or bed rest, two visitors per day with only one visitor after 8 p.m. (your primary support person). Visitors may re-enter.

Triage

• One visitor per triage stay. Visitor may re-enter, but may not switch with another person.

Labor & Delivery

• Two designated visitors (one primary support person and one additional dedicated visitor)
• One doula
• No re-entry

Postpartum

• The two designated visitors from labor & delivery (above) may visit daily.
• Visitors may not switch with other people.
• Of the two visitors, only the primary support person may re-enter throughout the day.

NICU

• Two visitors: both parents or the mother + 1 designated visitor
• Visitors may visit and re-enter throughout the day
• No additional visitors
• No designated visitors under 18

Crittenton Children's Center: Acute Inpatient Hospital

• Visitation limited to virtual visits, phone calls, and family therapy sessions

Saint Luke's Hospice House

• Visitation must be approved by the Saint Luke’s Hospice House team
• Four visitors per patient, per day
• No visitors under 14

Special Considerations:

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

Level 4 guidelines

Clinics & Offices

• Visitor guidelines
  • One visitor per 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

• One visitor per patient, 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.
• Visitors must leave by 8 p.m., unless patient requires a visitor stay overnight. If patient is under 18 or cognitively impaired, one visitor is allowed 24/7.

Special Considerations

• End-of-life circumstances in situations where confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is not involved:
  • Four designated visitors are permitted per patient, with two visitors permitted in the room at one time
  • 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:
  • Two designated visitors are permitted per patient, with one visitor permitted in the room at one time
  • 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

• One 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, one designated visitor per day, no re-entry.

Labor & Delivery/Postpartum

• One designated support person
• One doula
• No re-entry, unless pre-approved

Long-term care visitation

Crittenton Children's Center: Residential Treatment Program

• 4 visitors per patient, per visiting time
• Visitors limited to parents, siblings, legal guardians, case manager, and assigned visiting mentor
• Visits must take place in one uninterrupted session (no exit/re-entry)
• Visits are by appointment only and are limited to one 1.5 hour visit per week on Wednesday or Thursday evenings, or Saturday afternoons

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