UVM Health Network Scales Back Visitation Policies in Response to COVID-19 Surge

BURLINGTON (VT) – The University of Vermont Health Network is temporarily scaling back visitation to inpatient and outpatient areas at network hospitals and clinics in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in our area. No visitors are permitted until further notice, with very limited exceptions.

We recognize that family members and loved ones are valued members of the health care team and play a key role in supporting the well-being of our patients. As we seek to limit further spread of COVID-19 during this new surge, our network is implementing temporary changes to our welcoming policy for inpatient and outpatient areas of network hospitals and clinics to protect the health and safety of our patients and families, our staff, and our community.

These changes will be implemented across the Network over the next several days and the policy will have minor variations by affiliate based upon local operations. This policy is currently in effect at Central Vermont Medical Center and will go into effect at UVM Medical Center on Saturday, November 14.

“We know these restrictions are difficult for those receiving care and their families, but this is one of the best ways for us to protect our patients and staff and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said John Brumsted, MD, President and CEO of the University of Vermont Health Network. “I’d like to thank our patients and the community for doing their part.”

No visitors are permitted at this time with very limited exceptions, including:

• Labor and Delivery
• Pediatrics
• Procedures requiring sedation
• Discharges
• End-of-life care

Full information on the policy and exceptions can be found here.

Individuals who are allowed to visit patients at UVM Health Network hospitals and clinics:

• Must follow current Vermont or New York quarantine guidelines. Those who have been in close contact with a person sick with COVID-19 must not visit our facilities.
• Will be screened for a fever and COVID-19 symptoms prior to entry. Those with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 will not be allowed to visit.
• Are required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth for the entire time they are in the building. Those not able or willing to wear a mask for the duration of their time in the building will not be permitted entry or allowed to remain within our facilities. Commercial masks with outflow vents, bandanas and neck gaiters are not permitted. A mask will be provided if you do not have an acceptable face covering.

More information about COVID-19 is available at:

https://www.uvmhealth.org/coronavirus

www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

About The University of Vermont Health Network

The University of Vermont Health Network is an integrated system serving the residents of Vermont and northern New York with a shared mission: working together, we improve people’s lives. The partners are:

• The University of Vermont Medical Center  
• The University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice

Our 4,000 health care professionals are driven to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care as close to home as possible. Strengthened by our academic connection to the University of Vermont, each of our affiliates remains committed to its local community by providing compassionate, personal care shaped by the latest medical advances and delivered by highly skilled experts.

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