Boone Hospital Center limits visitors during coronavirus outbreak, MU Health Care offers free video visits
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
BJC HealthCare announced Tuesday afternoon its hospitals, which includes Boone Hospital Center, are limiting how many visitors can enter its facilities to protect patients and staff from COVID-19.
MU Health Care announced it's offering free video visits for people concerned about novel coronavirus.
The letter sent out by BJC said visitors cannot come into the hospital if they are sick. It included only one visitor at a time will be allowed into inpatient care units, emergency departments, intensive care units, surgery and procedure areas, as well as medical offices. Only two visitors will be allowed into pediatric and obstetric areas.
The policy added all visitors will be screened before entering, any visitors younger than 15 are not allowed inside the facilities.
Hospital officials said the move will keep workers and patients safe.
“We appreciate the understanding and support of hospital visitors during these extraordinary times, as we make every effort to protect the health and safety of our patients, team members and visitors," said BJC senior vice president Clay Dunagan.
It's unclear how long the policy will be in place.
MU Health Care spokesman Eric Maze said the visits are free for patients and others. Maze said the visits allow patients to speak directly with health providers.
The news release shows people who have flu-like symptoms and visited countries where coronavirus is active should call their primary care physician. It added individuals should call before going to an emergency room or a health clinic.
