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Vidant Health values family and community presence when loved ones and friends are in the hospital. At the same time, the organization is responsible for protecting patients from being exposed to infectious viruses.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 in eastern North Carolina, Vidant is prohibiting visitors across all of its hospitals and emergency departments. This is effective at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20.

There are exceptions. To accommodate special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, the following areas will allow ONE healthy adult visitor (after an on-site screening*):

Maynard Children’s Hospital

Pediatrics Unit/NICU

Maternity and Postpartum Unit (one healthy partner allowed)

Clinics located inside a hospital

Discharge pick up

Emergency departments

Patients requiring assistance only

Pediatric patients (parent or caregiver only)

*As a part of its preventative measures during COVID-19, Vidant Health is validating the temperature of all allowed visitors prior to entry in addition to screening which includes the following questions:

Do you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other symptoms of illness?

Have you traveled within the last 14 days or been exposed to anyone who is sick?

To prevent the spread of viruses, health experts recommend:

Washing hands frequently;

Not sharing cups or utensils;

Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze; and

Social distancing

This precaution will help limit the spread of infections while protecting hospital patients, their loved ones and Vidant team members. These limitations are temporary and will be lifted as soon as safely possible.

This is a rapidly developing situation and Vidant officials continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19. For the latest information on COVID-19, to include confirmed cases in North Carolina, please visit ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, cdc.gov/coronavirus or VidantHealth.com/covid19.