MercyOne revises visitor restrictictions

After months of declining COVID cases, hospitalizations are increasing all over the country, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. Visitor restrictions at MercyOne medical centers are determined by the number of active COVID cases in the commumity and are updated as needed.
Mercy Iowa City has updated their visitor policy. Visitors will be limited to ONE healthy adult (18 years or more) per inpatient, per day in the hospital only. Patients are allowed ONE healthy adult visitor for all other services. Masks are still required, and everyone must be screened when entering the building.
The exceptions the skilled nursing and behavioral health units, where NO visitors are allowed. Labor and Delivery patients are allowed one support person for their stay. At this point, extra support persons are not allowed.
No in-person visitors are allowed for COVID patients (except under special circumstances). Exceptions will be made for patients receiving end of life care.
Visitor hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Masks continue to be required in all MercyOne facilities where care is delivered, regardless of your vaccination status.
Local case rates may change visitor restrictions at any time. Up-to-date visitor information can be found at www.mercyone.org/northiowa/about-us/for-visitors.
A recent press release stated, “We do recognize that patient support from a family member or friend contributes to patient experience, safety, and healing. We desire to balance these important elements with the need to protect patients and colleagues from unnecesary exposure to COVID.”
“MercyOne is committed to the safety of our patients, visitors, colleagues, physicians, and communities. We continually work to ensure we can provide the care you need. We appreciate your support and understaind, as we work as one to serve as a healing ministry.”