CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center announced Monday night, March 16, outlining changes in their visitation policy in light of concerns about coronavirus.
And while there have been no confirmed cases north of Bangor yet, the numbers continue to climb in the lower half of the state.
The hospital is asking that anyone with respiratory tract symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, or other respiratory tract symptoms do not visit the hospital.
“We ask that even if you only have a sniffle, you do not visit while sick,” the hospital wrote.
Those who enter the hospital while displaying symptoms will be asked to wear a mask and leave.
As of March 16, the hospital is making three changes to its inpatient policy: each patient can choose two people who can visit throughout their stay while all others will need to contact the patient via phone. These designated visitors cannot be sick, and no visitors under the age of 12 are allowed.
The hospital’s new policy in the emergency room is that only one visitor is allowed per patient, and only once that patient is able to accept visitors. Like the inpatient policy, visitors cannot be sick.
Cary is also asking individuals to reschedule their visits or testing if they are sick in outpatient areas to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
“We realize that these restrictions may cause challenges, and we are sorry for any inconvenience or difficulties they may cause,” the hospital said.
Cary concluded that these changes will be kept in place “for as long as absolutely necessary.”
