Columbus Regional Health announced on March 25 that it will return to normal visitation operations at its hospital campus starting March 30. The change follows a steady decline in viral respiratory rates and hospitalizations in the area.
The adjustment means visitors aged 14 and older are welcome, subject to the discretion of the patient’s care team and any capacity limits within inpatient settings. Suggested visitation hours remain unchanged, but modifications may be made under extenuating circumstances as determined by unit leadership.
Visitors may be required to wear masks or additional personal protective equipment if deemed necessary by the patient care team. Individuals experiencing symptoms of potentially contagious illness are discouraged from visiting patients.
Specific guidelines continue for the Birthing Center and Women and Children’s units. Laboring patients may have three designated support persons, while no one under age 14 is allowed in the Birthing Center except siblings of newborns. Visitor hours for these areas are set from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with no visitation permitted during Maternal Rest Time between 2 to 4 a.m. and again from 2 to 4 p.m.
The health system said these measures aim to balance patient safety with support from loved ones as community health conditions improve.
