DECATUR, Ala. — Decatur Morgan Hospital is limiting its visitation policy for patients as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in Alabama.
The hospital has closed its waiting rooms and elevated its visitation status to a Level Red due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Level Red Visitor Guidelines:
- COVID-19 Positive: No visitors except in Labor & Delivery (1 visitor), Pediatrics (1 parent/guardian), Compassion visit (end-of-life circumstances), and Pastor/Clergy (compassion visits)
- Hospitalized Inpatient Units: 1 visitor
- Critical Care/ ICU: ICU Visitors are given instructions upon patient admission.
- Emergency Department: 1 visitor once the patient is settled in their ED room. 2 parents/guardians are allowed for pediatric patients. No lobby visitation.
- Tests and procedures: No visitors unless special assistance is required or recommended by the provider. No pediatric visitors are allowed with patients.
- Inpatient Surgery: 1 visitor allowed--must stay in the room.
- Labor and Delivery: 1 support person; A support person may stay overnight if deemed appropriate by hospital staff.
- Pediatrics: 2 parents / guardians
- Psychiatry: Virtual visitation as appropriate.
The new policy started on Monday, August 16. The full list of visitation guidelines are on Decatur Morgan Hospital's website.
Huntsville Hospital Visitation Guidelines
RELATED: Jackson County Health Care Authority announces intent to integrate with Huntsville Hospital System
To stay informed about the changes happening at Decatur Morgan Hospital, find them on Facebook and Twitter.
As of May 13, all Alabamians ages 12 and up are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine after the CDC gave the Pfizer vaccine emergency authorization for those in this age group.
“This is great and welcome news that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will now be available for Alabamians 12 and up, offering another option for families in our state as we get back into full gear. We have seen good success so far with these safe and effective vaccines, and I encourage parents and children to consult with your pediatrician if you have any questions,” Governor Ivey said. “The vaccine is our ticket back to normal, and I continue to feel optimistic and hopeful in the positive direction we are moving in as a state.”
After receiving the COVID vaccine, you may experience common symptoms. The CDC listed the following common side effects of the shot:
- Pain, redness and swelling in the arm you got the shot
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
“If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic,” the CDC says on their website.
For the most up-to-date information on side effects and the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC’s website.