Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the increased rate of transmission in the region, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center will be enforcing a limited visitor policy effective Thursday, October 7, for all inpatient units (including Crichton Rehabilitation Center) and the Emergency Department.

The limited visitation policy includes the following:

•  Inpatient adults (18 and older) are permitted one visitor at a time during visiting hours only (noon to 8 p.m. daily).
•  Inpatient adult behavioral health patients are temporarily not permitted any visitors.
•  Pediatric patients (under age 18) are permitted one parent or guardian at all times.
•  Labor and Delivery patients are permitted one support person at all times.
•  Emergency Department patients are permitted one visitor at all times.
•  COVID-19 patients are not permitted any visitors at any time.
•  Urgent Care patients at MedWELL are permitted one visitor, only if the patient is a minor or needs additional support.
•  Transitional Care Unit patients are permitted two adult visitors
•  Outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy patients are not permitted visitors, unless requested by the therapist.
•  The care teams will compassionately evaluate exceptions on a case-by-case basis for end-of-life and medical necessity.
   

Additionally, Conemaugh Physician Group practices recommend that only one visitor or support person accompany a patient to an office visit, and only if support is absolutely necessary. All visitors are urged to use discretion when accompanying patients to inpatient and outpatient facilities across the health system.

“As always, the safety of our patients, providers and team members continues to be our top priority as we continue to navigate this pandemic, and we will not waver in this commitment,” said William E. Caldwell, CEO, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “We continue to take all of the necessary precautions in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities, and we want to reassure our communities that it is still safe to come to our hospitals and clinics should you or your family need care.”

Conemaugh Health System continues to take all the necessary precautions to keep patients and staff safe by isolating COVID-19 patients, enforcing a universal masking policy, screening everyone who enters the facilities, implementing the most effective cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and enhancing safety with new personal protective equipment protocols. These protective measures for managing infectious diseases ensure that the facilities are always safe when the community needs care.

Patients are encouraged to use alternative methods of communication, including FaceTime or Zoom, as much as possible. Devices are available for patient use at the hospital upon request.
 

COVID-19 Vaccinations Encouraged

Conemaugh Health System continues to encourage the community to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. The overwhelming percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are unvaccinated shows that being vaccinated against COVID-19 is still the best defense against serious illness, hospitalization and death. COVID-19 vaccines are readily available in the local community. Visit Vaccines.gov to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Available

Monoclonal antibody therapy for treatment of non-hospitalized patients with a mild or moderate case of COVID-19 is available at Conemaugh Health System, and must be ordered by a health provider. Administered intravenously, this innovative treatment is designed to help lessen the severity of COVID-19 in individuals who are COVID-19-positive and are at risk for developing a severe form of the disease.

Patients must meet specific clinical criteria, including having a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 that is mild or moderate; having underlying health conditions or being older than 65 years of age; and being stable enough not to require hospitalization. Certain patients may also qualify for casirivimab and imdevimab after exposure to a COVID-19 patient based on their risk profile. The therapy is available to adults and adolescents 12 years of age or older who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.