ELLSWORTH and BLUE HILL — Northern Light Blue Hill and Maine Coast Hospitals announce a change in their visitation policy.

“The hospitals have waited for a time to safely allow visitors back into their facilities,” said the hospitals, in a news release. “Because of the downward trend of our community positivity rate as well as our desire to meet the needs of our community and patients, visitation will be allowed starting April 1.”

Hospital patients will be allowed two visitors at a time between the hours of 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Visitors must wear a hospital issued mask, regardless of vaccination status, during their entire stay. In the rare instance where visitation impacts safe delivery of patient care (for the patient and/or visitor), visitors may be asked leave.

“Hospital providers and staff are continuing to work hard to keep everyone safe,” said the release.