WVU Medicine implements strict visitation policy at hospitals in response to COVID-19

News Release
March 13, 2020

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Because the safety of our patients and caregivers is our highest priority, WVU Medicine has implemented restricted visitation policies for all member hospitals in an effort to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

WVU Medicine, also known as the WVU Health System, includes J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s in Morgantown, Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, Braxton County Memorial Hospital in Gassaway, Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, Jackson General Hospital in Ripley, Jefferson Medical Center in Ranson, Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser, Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon, Summersville Regional Medical Center in Summersville, and United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.

Hospital visitation policy details:

Minimal visitation is encouraged.
Visitors with a cough, fever, shortness of breath, and/or fatigue should reschedule their visit.
Visitors will be limited to just one per patient in the hospital at a time.
All visitors are required to obtain a visitor’s badge before entering patient areas.
Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to visit the hospital.
Visiting hours are restricted; check with your local hospital for details.
Valet services are limited.
Exceptions to these restrictions will be made on a case-by-case basis based on special circumstances and/or prior approval of designated leadership.

All visitors are required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Patients with scheduled visits to a WVU Medicine clinic are encouraged to attend appointments alone. If necessary, they may be accompanied by one person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, due to the rapidly changing nature of the spread of COVID-19 around the world, it is important for families and businesses to remain calm and prepare for potential community spread. The immediate health risk in West Virginia is currently low.

The best steps to help prevent contracting COVID-19 are to:

Wash your hands often with soap and water. Lather for at least 20 seconds every time. If no soap is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or the bend of your elbow.
Use the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use.
Avoid contact with sick individuals.
Utilize social distancing when possible.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as your mobile phone.
Stay home if you are sick, unless seeking medical attention.

If you currently have an appointment scheduled at a clinic, or plan to visit the emergency department or urgent care, please call ahead if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Tell your healthcare professional about any recent travel.