Lifespan, CharterCARE hospitals suspend most visits amid virus surge

Updated at 11:09 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2020.

PROVIDENCE (AP) Rhode Island’s largest hospital group announced Monday it is suspending most visits in response to a rising number of coronavirus cases in the state.

“We have decided after great deliberation to take this step in these highly unusual circumstances to protect our patients and our workforce,” Dr. Timothy J. Babineau, Lifespan Corp. president and CEO said in a statement posted on the company’s website. “We understand this is a great hardship to both patients and families, but we know that older and sicker people are most vulnerable to this novel coronavirus, and after careful evaluation of the evolving risks of transmission, we felt it was the most prudent thing to do.”

Exceptions may be made in special circumstances, the statement said.

Hasbro Children’s Hospital will allow one parent for each patient. Newport Hospital maternity services will allow for a birthing partner only. Emergency department patients will be limited to one accompanying adult, and the length of at that person’s stay will be limited.

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Visitors will be screened for symptoms or potential exposure to COVID-19, and will be required to wear a mask.

Lifespan operates Rhode Island, Hasbro Children’s, Miriam, Bradley, and Newport hospitals.

Also on Monday, CharterCARE Health Partners announced that it was temporarily suspending all visitations at its hospitals, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center.

All hospital services, including surgeries, continue to be available and on schedule, the organization said.

“This is a difficult decision given the importance family members can play in a patient’s recovery but in light of the recent spike in COVID cases, this step makes the most sense to keep our patients and employees safe and protected,” said Jeffrey Liebman, CharterCARE CEO.

This story has been updated to include the announcement from CharterCARE Health Partners.