ROCKPORT and BELFAST — Effective Thursday, August 26, 2021. In response to the COVID-19 status in the community, Pen Bay Medical Center (PBMC) and Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) are implementing additional increased visitor restrictions. This is being done to help prevent spread of the virus, according to the hospitals, in a news release.

“Infectious disease experts agree that measures to contain the virus are most effective early in its spread,” said the hospitals. “Although the majority of people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and make a full recovery, COVID-19 is a serious threat for vulnerable populations, especially older people with underlying health conditions. Given that these populations are often cared for at PBMC and WCGH, it is important to take all necessary steps to protect them.”

The following visitor policy change will take effect on August 26, 2021, at both PBMC and WCGH until further notice:

Emergency Department: One person allowed as an escort, only if the patient requires help with mobility, support or communication with care team, such necessity to be determined by triage or care providers. Escorts will be asked to drop-off patients and return to their vehicle while care is being provided.

Additional visitor restrictions were implemented at WCGH effective August 23. Visitors/escorts are not permitted at WCGH facilities except under the following circumstances:

Hospital Inpatient Areas:

• Obstetrics: One spouse/coach/visitor allowed in labor and delivery area.

• All other inpatient areas including:

Critical care: No visitors at this time.

Med/Surge Unit: No visitors at this time.

Pediatrics: One parent/guardian at a time allowed in all areas.

Patients on Palliative Care/Comfort Measures: Visitor requests evaluated by the nursing supervisor in collaboration with the CNO and CMO on a case by case basis.

End of Life in any inpatient area: Visitor requests evaluated by the nursing supervisor in collaboration with the CNO and CMO on a case by case basis.

Patients in isolation for COVID-19 infection or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection: No visitors except for End of Life.

Patient Discharges: Patients will be brought to an appropriate entrance for pick up.

Outpatient Surgery and Procedural Areas: Adult patients should arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Exceptions can be made in advance for patients who do not live locally. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by one parent/guardian, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

For all exceptions permitted above, only one person over the age of 18 may be on the WCGH campus to visit/escort/accept discharge of patient.

Ambulatory/Diagnostic Areas: Adult patients should come alone or arrange for drop-off and pick-up unless they need special assistance. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by one parent/guardian, provided space is sufficient to achieve compliance with social distancing.

Patients Requiring Special Assistance: Patients in any care setting who need help, such as with mobility or communications with the care team about their medical history or care, may be assisted by an adult escort to provide the needed assistance or support, such necessity to be determined by the care team.

All visitors/escorts are subject to screening for COVID-19. Visitors/escorts with any COVID-19 symptoms will NOT be allowed to enter the PBMC and WCGH facilities. Visitor/escorts must 1) perform hand hygiene prior to entering and upon leaving the patient’s room/care area; 2) wear a mask at all times in the facility; and 3) not go to any locations in the facility other than the room of the patient they are visiting. Hospital cafeterias are closed to visitors.

These restrictions are for the protection of patients, employees, visitors, and the public, and consistent with guidance from governmental authorities, and are adopted for the purpose of reducing the potential for propagation of the COVID-19 virus. These restrictions are imposed by order of the Chief Medical Officers and the Chief Nursing Officer.

About Pen Bay Medical Center

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.