Carthage Area Hospital to prohibit visitors beginning Tuesday, citing rise in virus cases

CARTHAGE, N.Y. — Carthage Area Hospital says it will suspend all hospital and assisted-living facility visitation starting Tuesday, citing the recent rise of COVID-19 infections in the North Country.

The exceptions include patient-support persons, or family members and/or legal representatives of patients in imminent end-of-life situations.

In addition, at least one support person can accompany a pregnant woman for the duration of her stay “as medically appropriate.”

The hospital’s health center based at Beaver River School is temporarily closed during this time and will re-open once the school district allows the school to reopen. Patients can utilize the Carthage walk-in clinic or call the health center based at LaFargeville School (315-519-5415) to schedule a telemedicine visit.

Other visitation guidelines

All visitors meeting the exceptions will be screened for symptoms or potential exposure to someone with COVID-19.

The hospital won’t allow visitors during procedures and in the recovery room except for pediatrics; childbirth; and patients with an intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disability.

Visitors will also be provided with and must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Visitors who fail to wear a face mask and other PPE will be asked to leave the hospital.

Visitors must undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entering the facility, and shall be denied entry if they report significant COVID-19 exposure or symptoms during the prior 14 days or have a temperature equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the hospital said.