The following exceptions will be taken into account: end-of-life care, maternity patients, pediatric patients and other situations that are pre-approved by a patient’s care team. Lowell General had previously been allowing one support person for one hour per day.
“We know this decision will be difficult for families who have loved ones in our care, but at this time we feel it’s an important step to maintain a safe and healing environment for our patients,” said Jody White, President and CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health. “The health and safety of our patients and staff remain our highest priorities.”
Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health are well prepared to care for patients with this illness and to protect all other patients, as well as our healthcare providers and staff. We will continue to closely follow the latest data and guidance from federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state Department of Public Health and will adapt our COVID-19 response accordingly.
“We urge patients to stay engaged with their healthcare providers and to not delay care,” White said. “We ask our community to stand with us and slow the spread of this virus by masking, maintaining social distance, washing hands and avoiding large gatherings this holiday season.”