NEENAH, Wis. (NBC 26) -- ThedaCare has lifted its visitation restrictions for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The healthcare system announced the public will be allowed to visit non-Covid patients during permitted hours starting Feb. 26. The hospitals are limiting visitation to one person at a time and they must be over 16 years old, barring a set of extreme circumstances such as an end-of-life situation.
“We appreciate the support from patients, families and visitors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” ThedaCare CMO Dr. Jennifer Frank said. “The precautions that were taken were important in the prevention of spreading the virus, and protecting the health and wellness of patients, team members and visitors. Every decision made is centered on the people of our communities.”
ThedaCare says it's not allowing visitors in the system's Covid units. The changes are taking place in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose.
The organization will no longer be taking temperature screens or asking symptom-related questions when people visit. But it says non-patients are required to mask and stay in the room of the person they're visiting.
“Visitor restrictions and screening guidelines will be assessed on a regular basis as new information about COVID-19 becomes available,” Frank said. “While ThedaCare is confident in implementing the updated visitor policies, it is critically important community members continue following public health recommendations including wearing a mask, staying home when ill, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when you are eligible.”
