Advocate Aurora Adopts No-Visitor Policy, Racine Included

RACINE COUNTY, WI — As the coronavirus public health emergency in Wisconsin enters its second month, Aurora Advocate Health enacted a no-visitor policy starting on March 16, and updated it March 20.

"No visitors, with a few exceptions, will be allowed in any inpatient areas until further notice," Aurora officials said. "All visitors who meet exclusion criteria must pass a health screening, which will be administered at a central hospital checkpoint."

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According to hospital officials at Aurora, that exclusion criteria includes:

• Pediatric caregivers
• Companion of laboring mother and, if applicable, a doula
• End-of-life situations with family virtual visits/vigils encouraged as an alternative
• Outpatient-area companion
• In-person discharge instructions
• Professionals assigned to assist with procedures

Aurora officials said that all potential visitors are being screened at a central hospital checkpoint, even if they are not in the exception category, including delivery personnel.

Hospital officials say they're also encouraging all visitors to bring and wear masks to help keep patients, team members and visitors safe.

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