Coronavirus Precautions: Southern Ocean Medical Restricts Visits

UPDATE: Hackensack Meridian is restricting visitation at its hospitals in New Jersey, officials announced on Thursday.

"Please know, the health and safety of our patients, their families, and team members remains a top priority for HMH," the system says.

Visitation exceptions will be made in certain situations, including

• Hospice
• Pediatric care
• Ambulatory Care/Same day surgery (one visitor)
• Maternity/Labor and delivery (one visitor)

Once a visitor is approved, they will undergo a temperature screening, official said. They will also need to provide their contact information in the event that tracing becomes necessary.

Phone and video calls to patients are welcome and encouraged.

As a precautionary measure and to keep patients and team members safe, HMH is also asking its team members to self-monitor their temperature before they report to work.

“We are taking these proactive precautions to protect our patients, team members, and the communities we serve,” said Jerry Zuckerman, M.D., vice president, Infection Prevention and Control at Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our care team is sensitive to the separation this restriction causes our patients and their loved ones, but we believe this measure of protection is essential at this time to keep people safe.”

These visitor restrictions will be re-evaluated in 30 days.

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Southern Ocean Medical Center is enforcing visitor restrictions to protect people from the novel coronavirus. There are no confirmed cases in Ocean County as of Tuesday morning, but the hospital wants to protect patients, staff and community members.

Visitation is limited to two people at a time per patient, and visitors under 12 are prohibited. All visitors, staff and vendors entering the facility will undergo a coronavirus screening. Anyone who fails the screening won't be allowed inside.

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All Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation facilities have imposed the restrictions. Medical personnel are screening patients in accordance with the Center for Disease Control's guidelines.

New Jersey has confirmed 11 cases of the coronavirus as of Tuesday morning. Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency, which allows his administration to expand its powers to treat the illness. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Southern Ocean Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals enforced similar restrictions last month amid New Jersey's flu outbreak. The hospital prohibited visitors 12 and under and asked anyone with a fever or cough not to visit. Read more: Southern Ocean Medical Restricts Visitors During NJ Flu Breakout

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