With continued dramatic increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations and positive tests Agnesian HealthCare is modifying its visitor guidelines at all three of its hospitals in Fond du Lac County.
Starting Friday, September 3, the following visitor guidelines will be in place:
- Patients can designate one visitor each day during their stay.
- No visits for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients except for limited situations.
- Only one primary support person in Women & Infants.
- Compassionate care exceptions may be made in end-of-life situations.
- Visitors must be 18 or older.
All visitors are screened prior to admission and must be in good health (no signs of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat) and must be 18 years of age or older. They must wear masks. These guidelines apply to all locations, including clinics, hospitals and other locations.
“With the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Agnesian HealthCare – like other health care providers – is looking at what steps should be taken to help reduce potential exposure, especially to individuals with no symptoms, or even minor symptoms,” according to Katherine Vergos, St. Agnes Hospital president. “By significantly reducing visitors coming into our facilities, we will be able to greatly limit potential exposure keeping our patients, caregivers and providers safe.”
While COVID-19 positive numbers continue to increase, it’s important that community members are watching for symptoms, even minor, and contacting the COVID-19 clinic at 920-926-8400. Agnesian HealthCare is only testing individuals with symptoms, and call volumes are high at this time. “We have seen that many positive cases are due to large group gatherings where social distancing guidelines are not being practiced,” Vergos explains. “Reports also indicate that individuals are attending these gatherings with minor symptoms, often dismissing as allergy related, only to later test positive for COVID-19.”
