As new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Centre County trend downward, Mount Nittany Medical Center is again allowing some visitors for inpatients.
Beginning Monday, one visitor per inpatient is allowed during visiting hours of 2-6 p.m. daily.
“We understand the important role of family and loved ones in the healing process of our patients, which is why we are pleased to be able to modify the existing visitor restrictions that were implemented due to increased COVID-19 activity in our community,” Executive Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany Cabibbo said in a statement. “It is because of our commitment to the health and safety of our community that we will monitor the situation closely and make adjustments as needed.”
The women and children’s services department at the hospital will continue to permit allow support person to accompany the patient.
One support person or caregiver may accompany patients at the emergency department, Mount Nittany Physician Group locations, Mount Nittany Health Surgical Center, Cancer Care Partnership and outpatient Medical Center locations.
Visitors must pass a COVID-19 screening before entering and will be provided a colored wristband upon checking in at the front desk of the emergency department or medical center. Visitors also are asked to check out at the front desk before leaving.
For outpatient and surgical procedures, caregivers will be asked to wait in their vehicles, but may be with the patient until the start of the procedure and to assist with discharge. According to Mount Nittany Health, caregivers may be asked to wait in their vehicles in certain other circumstances.
Masks are required for all visitors and caregivers. Though the Centers for Disease Control last week relaxed masking guidelines for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal agency said face coverings are still required in certain high-risk settings, including hospitals.
Visitors will not be allowed for patients who are COVID-19-positive.
“We recognize that interacting with friends and family can be helpful to the healing process; therefore, we are strongly encouraging using alternative means of support like phone calls or video chats on cellphones or other mobile devices,” Cabibbo said. “We are sensitive to the separation this restriction creates for our patients and families, but we strongly believe continuing to limit the number of people in our facilities is essential to keeping our patients and staff safe.”
Mount Nittany has adjusted its visitation several times throughout the pandemic as cases and hospitalizations have spiked or decline.
The most recent visitation restriction was implemented at the beginning of April after Mount Nittany saw COVID-19 hospitalizations climb throughout March, when there were 124 COVID inpatients compared to 96 in February. Nearly two-thirds of the COVID hospitalizations in March came in the second half of the month.
In April, Mount Nittany had 149 COVID-19 admissions and an average daily census of 26 COVID inpatients, its third highest monthly total since the start of the pandemic.
But toward the end of April and through the first half of May, COVID hospitalizations have declined. Through Friday, Mount Nittany had an average daily census of 16 COVID inpatients.
On Monday, 12 COVID-19 patients between the ages of 21 and 88 were hospitalized at the medical center.
The decline in hospitalizations has coincided with a decrease in new cases and a rise in vaccinations.
On Monday, Centre County reported just two new COVID-19 positives, its lowest single-day total in nearly nine months.
About 49% of Centre County residents are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Monday morning, with about 39% fully vaccinated.
Vaccination appointments for ages 12 and older are available through Centre Volunteers in Medicine, Mount Nittany Health and through other pharmacies and providers listed at vaccines.gov. The state-run Regional Vaccination Clinic at the Bryce Jordan Center offers vaccines to individuals 18 and older by appointment or walk-in.
Updates to Mount Nittany’s visitation policy can be found at mountnittany.org/coronavirus. Questions regarding visitation at the Medical Center can be directed to (814) 231-7000. For Mount Nittany Physician Group questions, patients should call their practice or outpatient office.
