Consistent with its commitment to help prevent community spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard patients and care team members, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital are implementing temporary measures to limit visitors in healthcare settings, according to a news release. 

“We recognize that limiting visits has a significant impact on our patients and their families,” the release said. “Our medical leaders evaluated all of the guidance available and believe the best way to eliminate infection and protect the health of our patients and team members is to implement this action.  We did not take this decision lightly, and we are eager to restore full visitation when it is safe to do so.” 

These measures are effective immediately.

Visitor Restrictions

• Hospital Visitation Hours: visitation will now be limited to 11 AM to 7 PM

• Limit of one visitor per patient for both inpatient and ambulatory care

• This includes all hospital, ambulatory, clinic appointments and emergency department visits

• No visitor under the age of 18 is permitted

• Care teams may make exceptions in specific circumstances such as:

• Two parents or guardians for each pediatric patient

• Additional visitors may be allowed for compassionate care (palliative care) situations in which death is imminent (likely within 24 hours), as determined by nursing management in collaboration with the primary care team.

• Disruptive behavior patients

• Family meetings may include one family member in-person, with others participating by speaker phone.

Any visitor who has any of the following symptoms will be asked to leave:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Sore throat

• Congestion

Public and Employee Meetings

• All public use of conference and community space is suspended indefinitely. This includes cancelling all events open to the public and/or community groups and meetings at any of our facilities.

We recognize these measures will be disappointing to some and are being implemented quickly. This will serve the purpose of effectively reducing the potential for community spread of the coronavirus and help keep our patients and care team members safe.

If you feel you need medical attention, call your primary care provider before going to a healthcare facility.  If you do not have a primary care provider and need emergency care, call the emergency department before going to the ED.

It is critical for all of us to choose reliable sources for the latest information. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Maine CDC and MaineHealth are your best sources for up-to-date factual information about COVID-19. We strongly recommend you visit their websites at: cdc.gov, maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc and mainehealth.org/healthy-communities/coronavirus.