All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Davis Medical Center revises visitation guidelines

Elkins, W.Va. – Effective immediately, Davis Medical Center is resuming less-restrictive visitor guidelines in hospital units, outpatient clinics, and the emergency department.

As Covid-19 hospitalizations decrease from pandemic levels, DMC’s incident command team revised policies to lessen restrictions.  Full details regarding the visitation policy for DMC can be found on the website https://www.davishealthsystem.org/patients-visitors/visitation-hours.  A summary of changes follows:

  • Minimum Age of Visitors – Children under the age of 12 are discouraged from visiting. The minimum age of visitors is determined on an individual basis, considering the diagnosis of the patient as well as the roommate (when applicable).
  • All visitors will enter through the main entrance.
  • Masks are required during the entire visit

Day Surgery Unit

  • Adult patients are permitted one guest in the registration and waiting areas prior to the procedure. Social distancing rules apply in waiting areas.
  • Pediatric surgical patients are allowed two support persons. Support persons must be 18 years or older.
  • Adult patients for outpatient diagnostic visits are allowed one guest to accompany them.
  • Visitors are not permitted in the operating room or day surgery procedure room. With permission of the attending physician, the spouse or significant other may be allowed in the operating room for surgical delivery of babies.

Emergency Department

  • Visitors must remain with the patient, and no one leaving the patient room will be allowed to return. Two support persons (family members, friends, or other individuals) may be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the emergency department visit, unless the individual’s presence infringes on other person’s rights, safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated. The individual may or may not be the patient’s surrogate decision-maker or legally authorized representative.
  • Parents or designated support persons will be allowed to stay with pediatric patients at all times.

Laurel Place

  • Daily Visiting Hours: 1:30 – 2:30 pm and 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  • One visitor at a time.
  • Call for a visitation appointment 304.630.3508

Family Birthing Center

  • Two visitors are permitted during labor (even if labor occurs overnight). Following the birth of the newborn, only one visitor/support person is permitted to stay overnight for emotional support during the course of hospital stay. Must be the same two visitors throughout the hospital stay.
  • Visiting Hours: 10 am – 6 pm. *Please note times for “Quiet Time”. Quiet Time is 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 10:30 pm to 6:00 am.  This is a time to allow the patient to rest and for new families to bond. Visitors will be asked to leave a message at Nurses Station.
  • All visitors must be at least 18 years old.
  • All visitors will be allowed access through a secure entry intercom system. Visitors/support persons may come and go only during established visiting hours.
  • Visitors with known or suspected infections will be asked not to visit on the Family Birthing Unit.

North 2 and Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)

  • Visiting Hours: 10am – 6pm Visitors/support persons may come and go only during established visiting hours.
  • Two visitors per patient, per day. Must be the same two visitors throughout hospital stay.  One of these persons may be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of hospital stay or outpatient visit, unless the individual’s presence infringes on other persons’ rights, safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated. The individual may or may not be the patient’s surrogate decision-maker or legally authorized representative.
  • Parents or designated support persons will be allowed to stay with pediatric patients at all times.

Intensive Care Unit

  • Visiting Hours: 10am – 6pm. Visitors/support persons may come and go only during established visiting hours.
  • All visitors will enter through the ICU waiting room.
  • Two visitors per patient, per day. Must be the same two visitors throughout hospital stay. One of these persons may be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of hospital stay or outpatient visit, unless the individual’s presence infringes on other person’s rights, safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated. The individual may or may not be the patient’s surrogate decision-maker or legally authorized representative.
  • All visitors must be at least 13 years old.
  • Special situations can arise that may cause visiting hours to change. For example, visitors may be asked to leave or wait until a quieter time if a patient is having trouble, even if it is not your family member. These decisions will be made at the nurse’s discretion.
  • Parents or designated support persons will be allowed to stay with pediatric patients.

Outpatient diagnostics (lab and x-ray) and all physician practice offices will allow two visitors per patient.

DirectCare of Elkins and 259STAT in Davis, WV are fully open and seeing patients inside the facilities.  Patients exhibiting covid symptoms will be asked to use the drive-thru care option to protect those in the waiting areas.  Acute illness and injury patients may enter the building.  Masks are required to enter.

Masks are required for entry into any Davis Health System location.  Those who do not comply will not be permitted to enter.

Due to the different nature of care provided in inpatient units, additional requirements for visitation may apply.  Please call 304.636.3300 with questions. 

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

River Fest returns in August with free food, live music and paddling for the whole community

River Fest will return August 23 with free food, live music, beginner kayaking, and community activities for all ages, aiming to attract 200 attendees and celebrate the Buckhannon River in memory of its founder, April Keating.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: June 30 – July 4, 2025

Buckhannon has announced upcoming public meetings, July 4th holiday closures, a community celebration and fireworks, yard waste collection dates, and information on utility payments and city service requests available online.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 3, 2025.

Deloris Y. Jack

Deloris Jack, 91, a homemaker and Lifetime Member of the Upshur County E.M.S., passed away June 28, 2025, leaving behind her son, sister, extended family, and a legacy of community service.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Director of Nursing earns Nurse Executive Board certification

Karla Tucker, Director of Nursing at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned the prestigious Nurse Executive-Board Certified credential, reflecting her leadership and commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care.

WVWC’s new director of technical theatre finds passion in set design

Boyd Wolz, an experienced set designer and educator with credits in theatre, film, and television, has been appointed as West Virginia Wesleyan College’s new director of technical theatre.

Upshur County Public Library awarded $20K AARP grant to launch digital literacy classes for older adults

The Upshur County Public Library has received a $20,000 AARP grant to offer free digital literacy classes for adults 50 and older, providing computer skills training both at the library and via a mobile classroom.

Barbara Ann Dawson

Barbara Ann Dawson, 85, a longtime French Creek Elementary reading aide and active church and Eastern Star member, died June 27 at home, survived by her three sons, grandchildren, and many loved ones.

Upshur County Commission Special Meeting Agenda: July 1, 2025

The Upshur County Commission has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 1, 2025.