Aiken hospital eases visitor rules as COVID cases decline

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - As the latest surge in COVID cases recedes, Aiken Regional Medical Center is loosening up its visitation policies.

The hospital, like many, had tried to cut back on risks to visitors, employees and patients during the surge in cases that was fueled by the ultra-contagious omicron variant of coronavirus. But as quickly as it rose, the omicron wave is fading.

Starting Monday, Aiken Regional Medical Center will update its visitation policy. Visitation hours will remain 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the following guidelines:

• Emergency department: One support person is permitted to accompany a patient. If a patient is admitted, the support person may accompany the patient if during visiting hours.
• Inpatient areas, including ICU and PCU: Two support people are permitted at a time during visiting hours.
• COVID-positive: One support person is permitted per day at a maximum of four hours. Restrictions apply.
• Labor, delivery and postpartum: A new mother is permitted two support people at a time during visiting hours, and one support person is permitted to stay overnight. One support person is permitted for diagnostic testing.
• Patients with physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairments: Two support people are permitted per day and one support person is permitted to stay overnight.
• A patient at the end of life: Two support people and a clergyman are permitted. Additional consideration may be made on a case-by-case basis.
• Pediatric patients: Two parents/guardians are permitted to accompany a patient throughout the entire treatment.
• Outpatient services (appointments/testing/surgery): Two support people are permitted to accompany a patient at a time.
• Behavioral health: Consideration may be made on a case-by-case basis. Contact Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services at 803-641-5900 with questions related to your particular circumstance.

Of the limited support people able to enter the hospital, individuals must be at least 18 years old, but an exception may be made if the patient is at the end of life.

All people must wear a medical grade mask while in the facilities, regardless of having received the COVID-19 vaccination. Face coverings should be properly worn, covering the nose and mouth while in the facility. Neck huggers/gaiters, bandanas and cloth masks are not approved coverings.

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