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Coronavirus COVID-19

Important information about the coronavirus COVID-19

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff and patients.

Visiting patients

Visiting during COVID-19

Iredell Memorial Hospital complies with NC Senate Bill 191, “The No Patient Left Alone Act,” that states that hospitals “shall permit patients to receive visitors to the fullest extent permitted under any applicable rules, regulations, or guidelines adopted by either the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or any federal law.” At no time will Iredell Memorial restrict visitation to less than one (1) visitor per patient unless the patient has a diagnosis that would put the health and safety of visitors and others at risk, or unless otherwise directed by other laws/guidelines from governing bodies.

All visitors must take the following actions:

  • Hospital visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Visitation outside of these hours will be considered only in compassionate care or end-of-life situations.
  • Visitors may enter at the main entrance (Entrance A) or Emergency Department entrance (Entrance E), so long as that entrance is open. Entrance A is open Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 4:00pm. After those hours, all visitors must enter through Entrance E. Entrance A is open Monday - Sunday, 7:00 AM - 8:30 PM. After hours, please use Entrance E. Patients arriving for cath lab or endo procedures prior to 7:00 AM will use the Entrance C.
  • Visitors will be screened for signs of illness before they are allowed to visit. Anyone showing symptoms of illness is asked to refrain from visiting. Please note visitors showing symptoms of illness may be asked to wear a face covering.
  • Face coverings may be recommended based on COVID-19 transmission risk levels.
  • Visitors must follow all social distancing and safety guidance.
  • Food is available in both the Cafeteria and Pink Tea Room. Seating is available in the Cafeteria on the Ground Floor.

COVID-19 Positive Patients:

  • One (1) visitor per day may visit patients currently isolated for COVID-19.
  • Additional visitors may be allowed for end-of-life situations or otherwise approved compassionate care visits.
  • Approved visitors must wear appropriate PPE: gown, gloves and surgical mask.
  • To learn more about compassionate care visits, please contact the patient's nurse.

Same Day Surgery, Endoscopy, Radiation Therapy, Cath Lab, Imaging, Women's Health Center, Outpatient Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Wound Care Center:

  • Visitors must follow all general visitation requirements.
  • Patients arriving for procedures during the week prior to 7:45am in Endoscopy or the Iredell Heart & Vascular Center, please use the Endoscopy entrance (Entrance C).

Emergency Department:

  • 2 visitors per patient at a time, at any time of day
  • 2 parents or guardians are allowed if patients are under 18
Learn why some people get sick again and how you can avoid it.

Yes, you can get COVID-19 more than once

By now, millions of Americans have had COVID-19, whether they know it or not. In fact, a growing number of people are now getting the virus a second time. If you've had the coronavirus more than once—or you know someone who has—you might wonder what's happening.

How do people get COVID-19 twice?

Having COVID-19 gives most people some protection from repeat infections. Getting fully vaccinated provides a safeguard too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people have a low risk of reinfection for at least six months after becoming fully vaccinated or getting sick with the virus.

Why doesn't protection last longer? There are two main reasons:

New variants. When you become infected with a virus like the one that causes COVID-19, your immune system learns how to defend your body from that infection. But, like all viruses, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 changes as it spreads. New variants and subvariants may be different enough to get past your defenses.

Waning immunity. When you get sick with COVID-19—or when you get a dose of the vaccine—your immune system produces antibodies to fight off COVID-19. But the levels of those antibodies decrease over time, CDC reports—and that's especially true for older adults and people whose immune system is compromised.

As new variants spread and immunity fades, people are more likely to get COVID-19 again. And that's a problem: Research indicates that reinfection may increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions.

How can I avoid getting COVID-19 again?

The pandemic isn't over, but you can protect yourself with vaccines and smart decisions.

The best way to avoid reinfection is to make sure you're up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines. If you've already been vaccinated, it may be time for a bivalent booster.

The updated boosters help protect against the original virus as well as two Omicron variants. They can provide added protection even if you've already had COVID-19.

If you haven't been vaccinated yet, you have options. Both mRNA and more traditional vaccines are available. Your doctor can help you decide on the best choice for you.

Your lifestyle also plays a role in the risk of reinfection. If you interact with the public or live in an area with a high infection rate, consider extra precautions. That might include wearing a mask or asking guests to test for COVID-19 before large gatherings.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself from COVID-19 in our Coronavirus health topic center.

Reviewed 4/19/2023

Sources

Critical Care:

  • Visitors must be 12 or older. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances. Please speak with your loved one's nurse to learn more.
  • 2 visitors per patient at a time, during visitation hours, except for changes in patient condition and/or end-of life situations.
  • Visitors must follow the same procedures as all others, including wearing a mask, undergoing screening, etc.

The Birth Place:

  • 2 visitors at a time, in addition to 1 support person (the support person does not count as a visitor). Additional visitors are allowed, but only if they are siblings of the infant. There is no age restriction for siblings, but all other visitors must be age 18 or older.

Iredell Physician Network practices, Iredell Mooresville, Iredell Urgent Care:

  • 2 visitors will be allowed for each patient.

Clergy:

  • Clergy wishing to visit a patient may do so as long as they comply with all other visitation procedures, including properly wearing a mask and abiding by social distancing guidelines.

Skilled Nursing Visitation

  • The Skilled Nursing Facility will allow visitation to all residents at all times during visiting hours.
  • Indoor and outdoor visitation is available from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Other times may be available if needed. Please contact the Director of Nursing to make arrangements for visits outside of normal visiting hours.
  • Residents and staff will be screened daily for the presence of symptoms, including temperature check, as well as exposure to COVID-19.
  • Visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to the start of each visit. If a visitor has been diagnosed with COVID-19 they must abide by the CDC recommendation of a 10-day quarantine and go 24 hours with no symptoms without the use of medication.
  • If a visitor develops symptoms of or a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 2 days of visiting a resident, they must notify the facility director immediately.
  • Symptoms of COVID 19 are as follows:
    • Fever equal to or greater than 100.0 F
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Sore throat
    • Muscle aches
    • Chills
    • Headache
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Visitors must check in at the Emergency Department entrance for screening and proceed directly to the resident’s room or visitation space where they will remain for the duration of their visit.
  • Staff, residents, and visitors must use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after visitation.
  • Visitors are asked to wear a well-fitting mask when entering the facility and when in hallways, but are able to remove their mask during the visit if the resident is agreeable. Physical distancing of six feet is recommended. Cloth masks are not allowed and a surgical mask will be provided.
  • Although not recommended, residents who are on transmission-based precautions for COVID-19 MAY still receive visitors in their room. The resident should wear a well-fitting mask if tolerated. Visitors must be aware of the risks of visiting and precautions necessary to visit. Visitors must adhere to the core principles of infection prevention and wear appropriate PPE as directed by staff.

Iredell Health System follows the guidelines and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Learn more about COVID-19 from the CDC by visiting CDC.gov.

Click on a question below to view the answer.

What are the symptoms?

Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

How can I protect myself?

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading illness to others, you should:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What if I suspect that I have COVID-19?

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus, you should:

  • Stay home except to get medical care. Restrict your activities outside your home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor. If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19 before you go. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Do not handle pets or other animals while sick.

Where can I be tested?

Iredell Health System offers COVID-19 testing on a limited basis for individuals who meet specific criteria. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or suspect you may have COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider. As always, individuals experiencing medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care. Our Emergency Department is prepared to care for you in a safe environment.

If you do not have a primary care provider, please visit IredellPhysicianNetwork.com.

How can I learn more about COVID-19?

For additional information and updates, please visit the following sites:

Have a question you’d like to ask?

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has established a public hotline for questions on coronavirus COVID-19. To access the hotline, call 1.866.462.3821.