PRINCETON, NJ – Penn Medicine Princeton Health is restricting visitors to its facilities due to the "current rate of infection for COVID-19 cases," the hospital announced.

"Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center is committed to the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and staff," the hospital said.

Beginning Dec. 30, no visitors will be allowed at any outpatient site. The policy affects doctor offices, laboratories, diagnostic and imaging facilities in the Medical Arts Pavilion, outpatient infusion center and outpatient ambulatory facilities.

"Exceptions will be made for pediatric and special needs patients, who may have one healthy visitor – visitor may not rotate," the hospital said.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 28, non-COVID-positive patients are permitted to have one healthy visitor per day between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Once screened, the visitor must remain in the patient's room for the duration of their visit. Visitors may rotate, with no more than one at a time in the room.

No visitations will be allowed for COVID-19 positive patients at this time, exceptions however include special needs, pediatrics and end-of-life patients.

No visitors are allowed in the Emergency Department, exceptions include special needs and pediatric patients. While obstetrics (labor and delivery) patients may have one healthy support person stay with them for the duration of their stay. A certified Doula may be present.

Postpartum mother/baby unit patients may have one healthy support person, and the neonatal ICU (NICU) and pediatric patients may have two healthy parents visiting for the duration of their stay.

Patients with special needs or neurocognitive disability, or behavioral concerns may have one healthy visitor, parent, or guardian, at all times, if needed.

Patients who are at the end of life, including COVID-19 patients, may have two healthy visitors at a time. Visitors are asked to make arrangements in advance with the charge nurse for assistance with personal protective equipment (PPE).

No visitation will be allowed at the Eating Disorders Unit.

These visitation changes come after New Jersey reported a record number of cases in the past few days. On Wednesday, the state hit a new record with 20,483 new COVID-19 virus cases reported in one day and also 50 new deaths.

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