LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Hospitals in Lexington are updating their visitor restriction policies in response to the increasing community spread of COVID-19.
Starting Tuesday, Baptist Health Lexington, CHI Saint Joseph Health and UK HealthCare will implement the following changes:
- Visiting hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Each visitor must wear a mask at all times while in the facility, including in the patient’s room.
- Overnight visitors are not allowed.
- All visitors will be screened before entering the facilities for history of exposure to COVID-19 and symptoms of illness.
- A valid ID will be required.
The new visitation restrictions affect Baptist Health Lexington, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital and UK Good Samaritan Hospital.
"We ask for your cooperation and assistance in complying with these restrictions as we navigate changes needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Mark Newman, University of Kentucky executive vice president for health affairs. “The safety and well-being of our patients, employees and our community is our greatest concern and priority in making these decisions.”
While each hospital’s visitor restrictions may vary slightly, they will all require screening and anyone who enters the building will be required to wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene.
Patients and visitors are asked to limit the number of personal items brought with them to only those necessary for their care. Visitors are asked to leave the hospital when their visit is over and not spend time in public areas, such as lobbies, waiting areas, cafeterias and vending areas.
“We need your assistance to slow the spread of this virus in the community. Please wear a mask, remain socially distant, and avoid gatherings,” said Dr. Mark Dougherty, a hospital epidemiologist at Baptist Health Lexington. “If you come to any of the hospitals with a patient, you must wear a mask at all times.”
For information regarding specific hospital policies, visit their websites:
- Baptist Health Lexington, or call 859.260-6100
- CHI Saint Joseph Health
- UK HealthCare
