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In order to help protect patients, family members and healthcare workers from the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Atrium Health is implementing additional temporary restrictions for visitors to include essential visitation only.

Only essential patient visitors will be allowed to visit, including:

• Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or patients at the end of life;

• Patients who need a healthcare decision maker or visitor to help in communication or mobility;

• Minor patients less than 18 years; and

• Patients having a baby and birthing coaches.

Any visitor with symptoms of a fever or respiratory illness symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath, should remain home. Hospitals will use discretion and may screen visitors for signs and symptoms of illness. Existing visitor restrictions will remain in place, with only immediate family members, aged 13 and over, being allowed to visit.

The patient’s care team and the attending physician will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, on a case-by-case basis.

Atrium recognizes interacting with friends and family can be helpful to the healing process and encourages everyone to use other forms of support for their loved ones, such as phone calls or video chats.

For those that have flu or cold-like symptoms, contact Atrium Health before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency department to prevent the possible spreading of COVID-19. As more social distancing policies are in place, a variety of healthcare options for each specific health situation is available at www.AtriumHealth.org/GetCareNow, including Atrium Health’s:

• COVID-19 Risk Assessment: Recommendations on your risk of having the coronavirus by answering a few quick questions.

• Virtual Visits: Secure, face-to-face video chat with a trusted healthcare provider from the comfort of your home.

• eVisits: Care through a secure message for minor illnesses like flu or cold.

• Health Line (704-468-8888): Talk live with a healthcare professional to answer your health-related questions.