Details Regarding Expanded Restrictions at Atrium Health Facilities
NOTE: Visitor restrictions are subject to change at any time and without notice. News releases on Atrium Health’s visitation policy as designed to let the public know when there are substantial changes taking place, but additional changes are sometimes put into place. For the most current system-wide policy, click here.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 9, 2020 – With much of the Charlotte region already under a county-mandated stay-at-home directive and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper implementing similar restrictions on a statewide basis, Atrium Health is expanding its visitor restrictions throughout facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this declared state of emergency in North Carolina because of the virus, Atrium Health is taking this additional step to further protect the health of our patients, their loved ones and our medical staff, as well as allow for conservation of personal protective equipment and other resources.
Effective 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2020, no visitors will be allowed in any facilities, with a few exceptions:.
Hospital, including free-standing emergency facilities, based exceptions:
- One patient visitor for patients having a baby.
- One patient visitor for patients at the end of life/imminent death.
- Up to two patient visitors (parents/guardians) for minor patients less than 18 years of age.
Exceptions for all other locations, including outpatient facilities and doctor’s offices:
- One patient visitor for patients at the end of life/imminent death.
- One patient visitor (parent/guardian) for minor patients less than 18 years of age.
Accepted visitors must be immediate family members, aged 13 and over. Visitors with symptoms of respiratory illness, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, will not be permitted in patient areas of the hospital.
The patient’s care team and the attending physician will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, on a case-by-case basis.
The visitation restrictions apply to all Atrium Health locations.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and Atrium Health will take additional steps to help control the spread of COVID-19 as necessary. Atrium Health recognizes that interacting with friends and family can be helpful to the healing process and strongly encourages everyone to utilize other forms of support for their loved ones, such as phone calls or video chats on cell phones or other mobile devices.
For patients who have questions about COVID-19 or are showing symptoms, Atrium Health has established these resources:
COVID-19 Risk Assessment: Answer a few quick questions using a new automated and interactive digital COVID-19 assessment tool to get immediate recommendations on next steps in care.
Atrium Health Line (704-468-8888): Talk live with an Atrium Health healthcare professional to answer questions, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Symptom Checker Chart: Is it COVID-19, the flu, a cold or seasonal allergies? Click here to help distinguish between typical symptoms of each.
Virtual Visits: Secure, face-to-face video chat with a trusted healthcare provider from the comfort of home for a reduced cost of $25. These are highly recommended as a first point of contact for a person who is ill to avoid further spread of respiratory illnesses.
eVisits: Care through a secure message for minor illnesses like flu or cold for a reduced cost of $10.
Atrium Health continues to work to keep the communities it serves safe and informed. The latest information including prevention tips, frequently asked questions and care options are found at AtriumHealth.org/Coronavirus.