ROME, N.Y. — Rome Memorial Hospital (RMH) announced that only patients will be permitted in its emergency department, for the time being, with limited exceptions.
The policy took effect Thursday morning. RMH said in a news release that the policy is “for the protection of everyone due to the significant increase of COVID cases in the community.”
Regarding the exceptions, a “medically-necessary” support person will be allowed to accompany patients under the age of 18. Also, patients in critical condition and patients with confusion, altered mental status, developmental delays, or mobility issues can have one support person, RMH said.
The hospital also emphasized that anyone who is having a life-threatening emergency “should not delay care” because of concerns over COVID-19. Hospitals have protocols in place to protect patients from infection, it noted.