Baylor Scott & White Health system implements no-visitor policy
Baylor Scott & White Health announced July 31 that it would continue offering labor and delivery services at its Marble Falls medical center. It had previously announced July 28 it was curtailing those services in Marble Falls.
In response to the sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Texas, Baylor Scott & White Health has implemented a no-visitor policy at all of its facilities with exceptions for a limited number of patients.
“The safety and well-being of our communities is our priority, and we are continuing to closely monitor the increase in COVID-19 cases across Texas — particularly those in counties where local health departments have confirmed moderate to substantial community transmission,” Baylor Scott & White Health officials said in a statement.
The rule went into effect June 23.
Limited exceptions permit a single visitor over the age of 16 for pediatric/NICU patients, laboring/postpartum patients, patients undergoing surgery or procedures, patients with disabilities and impairments, and patients receiving end-of-life care.
At Baylor Scott & White ambulatory clinics, including the Marble Falls Specialty Clinic, a patient may have one visitor over the age of 16.
These exempt visitors must still pass a health screening, including a temperature check, and wear a mask at all times while in the facilities.
“While we have seen an increase in the number of (COVID-19) cases recently, it is important to note that the vast majority of our patients — between 90 and 99 percent of those we treated in our hospitals since March — have been receiving care unrelated to COVID-19,” Baylor Scott & White Health stated.
Baylor Scott & White Health is continuing to look for ways to build additional capacity in its hospitals in anticipation of future needs related to the treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.