TidalHealth announces visitation changes due to increase in COVID-19 cases

DELMARVA – TidalHealth has announced several important changes for visitors to TidalHealth hospitals starting today.

Due to recent increases in COVID-19 cases in the communities served by TidalHealth, officials are limiting outside persons entering TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke hospitals, as well as TidalHealth McCready Pavilion Emergency Services.

Starting today, August 5th, patient visitation is restricted on TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s 3 West unit and TidalHealth Nanticoke’s Medical-Surgical Unit. We’re told these units have the majority of the system’s current COVID position or potential positive patients. In addition, emergency department visitors are limited to one support person per patient when the patient is in a room. There is no waiting allowed in the waiting room.

Starting tomorrow, August 6th, visitation will not be allowed at any TidalHealth hospital in all areas for at least the next seven days and until further notice. Exceptions will include end-of-life visitation and disabled people who need a support person, as well as Labor & Delivery/Mother-Baby patients who may have one support person with them at all times. A midwife or doula will also be allowed during labor.

In addition, outside vendors will not be allowed inside facilities unless required for medical care. For outpatient surgeries, one support person may remain with the patient only until they are taken back into surgery. One support person will be allowed during diagnostic imaging and testing.

Masks are required at all TidalHealth facilities. Gaiters and bandanas are not allowed.

TidalHealth officials note that these changes may be expanded depending on announcements made by both Maryland and Delaware’s governors on Thursday.