As COVID-19 Cases Climb, Visitors Restricted At RI Hospital

PROVIDENCE, RI — As COVID-19 cases explode in Rhode Island, Lifespan announced changes to the visitation policy at the state's largest hospital.

Starting Thursday, visitors will only be allowed into Rhode Island Hospital from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitation policies at other Lifespan hospitals will not change at this time. Each patient will only be allowed one visitor per day, for a total of two visitors throughout their hospital stay. Newport and The Miriam hospitals only allow one visitor per visitation session, as well.

Outpatient and ambulatory appointments will be allowed to have one caregiver or support person with them only if the patient's health care team deems it necessary. Otherwise, no visitors will be allowed. Patients in the emergency department will be allowed one family member or escort for up to 30 minutes during the intake process, if needed.

Patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital will be allowed two total parents or caregivers for the duration of their hospital stay or emergency department visit. No other visitors will be allowed.

At Newport Hospital, all doulas will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test that was administered within 48 hours.

As has been the policy, all visitors will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test upon entry.

Read more about Lifespan's visitor policies on the organization's website.