Due to COVID-19, special visitation guidelines are in effect at all WVU Medicine facilities. Individual hospitals may have additional guidelines in place, due to variation in services offered and regional COVID-19 infections.*

  • All visitors must wear a mask at all times and will be screened upon entering the facility.
  • If screening is positive, visitation is not permitted.
  • Approved visitors for inpatient locations will be confirmed at the Welcome Desk.
  • Visitation is not permitted for COVID-19-positive patients and COVID-19 persons under investigation (PUIs) (see exceptions for pediatrics below).
  • All visitors will receive a visitor-specific ID badge to reflect the level of visitation access.
  • Visitors are to stay in the room at all times and not travel to common areas.

*Exceptions to visitation will be made based on patient condition and on a case-by-case basis by the department leader and/or house supervisor. Exceptions include but are not limited to deaf/blind patients, low mental capacity, significant mobility limitations, critical conversations (goals of care), and end of life.

The following guidelines are observed (when applicable) at the following WVU Medicine hospitals:

 Adult inpatient

  • One approved adult primary caretaker/visitor OR alternate is allowed per day during designated visiting hours; visitors are not allowed to exit building and return in same day.
  • One approved visitor may visit for 30 minutes at time of admission and discharge if not within designated visiting hours.
  • No overnight visitation is allowed.

Pediatric inpatient

  • Two approved visitors with two allowed at a time in patient’s room for pediatric inpatients.
  • Two approved overnight visitors are allowed for pediatric inpatients.
  • Pediatric COVID-19-positive inpatients and COVID-19 PUIs are allowed one approved visitor in room at all times, including overnight.
  • OB/Maternal Infant Care patients may have one approved visitor at all times, including overnight. No COVID-19 or PUI visitors.
  • At WVU Medicine hospitals with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU patients are allowed one approved visitor at all times, including overnight. No COVID-19 or PUI visitors are allowed.

Have a pre-op visits, procedure, or a diagnostic test?

  • One approved visitor may accompany a patient to registration and the waiting area before a scheduled procedure (if space allows for social distancing). The visitor must leave the building until the procedure is complete.
  • No visitors are allowed for adult outpatient diagnostic visits.
  • Two visitors/parents are allowed (as needed) for pediatric outpatient diagnostic visits.

Ambulatory (outpatient) clinic appointments

  • Patients are encouraged to attend their appointments alone.
  • If approved, one visitor may accompany an adult patient to the appointment and remain in the room during the visit.
  • Pediatric patients are allowed two visitors/parents as needed.

Emergency Department (ED) visits

  • One visitor (age 18+) is allowed with each adult ED patient.
  • Two visitors (age 18+) are allowed with each pediatric ED patient.
  • The visitor may stay with the patient in the waiting room (if space allows for social distancing).
  • Visitors may accompany patient to the room and remain there during the ED stay. Switching out of visitors is discouraged.

When waiting room reaches a point where social distancing cannot be met (approximately 20 people):

  • Adult ED patients: Visitors with adult patients will be asked to wait in their vehicle unless the patient requires the visitor to assist with maintaining safety (e.g., deaf/blind patients, low mental capacity, significant mobility limitations).
  • Pediatric ED patients: In cases where a pediatric patient has two visitors, one visitor will be asked to wait in their vehicle.

End-of-life care

  • Two approved visitors from immediate family are permitted in room at one time.

*Visitation policies at WVU Medicine hospitals may vary by location. Current exceptions include:

Please refer to these individual policies for visitation guidance.