Prisma Health limits visitation due to surge in COVID-19 infections

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Prisma Health will limit visitation at all hospital and clinical facilities starting Monday, Aug. 9, due to the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections.

Adult inpatients, outpatients and ambulatory pediatric patients will be limited to one visitor. These restrictions also will continue:

• Visitors must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth (no gaiters or vented masks).
• Visitors will be screened upon entry. Anyone with possible COVID-19 symptoms cannot visit.
• Visitors must stay with the patient (not go to the cafeteria, gift shop, etc.). People over age 65 and those with chronic illnesses who are not vaccinated should refrain from visiting.
• On occasion, visitors should remain with a patient with special needs. Secure approval of attending doctor and administrator for exceptions.

“This measure is essential in the wake of a new surge of hospitalized patients who are very sick with COVID-19. Given the rapid community spread of the Delta variant, the trend is very concerning,” said Rick Scott, MD, leader of Prisma Health’s COVID-19 response. Between July 7 and August 5 the number of COVID-19 inpatients has risen from 20 to 208 across the Prisma Health system.

“Fewer than half of South Carolinians are fully vaccinated. To turn this around, getting vaccinated is everyone’s best protection and we must work together to prevent infection with masking, hand hygiene and social distancing,” said Dr. Scott.

For detailed information on the current guidelines for all Prisma Health locations, please see our Visitor Restrictions.

About Prisma Health

Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 acute care and specialty hospitals, 2,947 beds, approximately 300 outpatient sites, and nearly 5,000 employed and clinically integrated network physicians and providers, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually in its 21-county market area that covers 50% of South Carolina. Prisma Health’s goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.