Nyack Hospital Sets No Visitor Policy Due To COVID-19 Surge

NYACK, NY — Officials at Montefiore Nyack Hospital have instituted a no visitors policy to protect patients and staff during the winter coronavirus surge.

"We have seen a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases in the past week," they said in the announcement. "Holiday gatherings could contribute to the spread of the infection, so we ask that everyone observes safe practices and limit large gatherings as much as possible. The best precautions are still social distancing, mask use in public, hand hygiene, and avoidance of ill people."

In Rockland, 83 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, and five people have died of the disease since Dec. 22. There are 5,850 active cases in the county. Here are the 10 local zip codes with the most cases as of Wednesday:

Hospital officials also ask residents not to come to the Emergency Department for a COVID test if you are not experiencing symptoms and do not need emergency medical care.

The Emergency Department is not currently providing monoclonal antibody treatments. Nor is Montefiore Nyack Hospital administering or scheduling appointments for COVID vaccines or boosters. To find vaccination locations, visit the New York State Department of Health website.

Here are details about the visitation policy:

Exceptions will be made for end-of-life, pediatrics or for patients with cognitive or developmental impairments for which a support person is deemed essential to the care of the patient. Any permitted visitor must be over the age of 12.

Labor and Delivery - Two visitors and a doula may accompany the patient throughout labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period.

Mother Baby Unit – One support person and one additional visitor from the same household for a non-COVID patient is permitted daily during visiting hours.

Behavioral Health and Recovery Center - Exceptions can be made as part of a patient’s treatment. Individual must be from the same household.

Emergency Department – One support person per day 24/7, except for confirmed or suspected COVID patients.

Ambulatory Surgery - Patients scheduled for outpatient or ambulatory procedures may have one visitor from the same household, who can accompany the patient through the admission process. Visitors will be asked to wait in their car or return home until the procedure is complete as all waiting rooms will be closed.

Transitional Care Unit - No visitation. Exceptions for end-of-life, or for patients with cognitive or developmental impairments for which a support person is deemed essential to the care of the patient.

Guidelines for visitors permitted under an exception:

• Do not come if you are exhibiting any symptoms or feel ill.
• Mask must be worn correctly at all times and visitors are prohibited from eating and drinking in the hospital.
• We ask that all visitors practice rigorous hand hygiene.
• Visitors must remain by the bedside. There are no public spaces open.
• Visitors who do not adhere to the above guidelines will be asked to leave.

Virtual Visits
If you wish to schedule a virtual visitation via Zoom or Face Time with a patient, please click here for a fillable form.

Send a free Cheer Card! Your message will be printed and hand-delivered to their room.

Montefiore Nyack COVID Hotline: 845-348-2055