Hospitals in Newark have announced a 'No Visitors" policy for the medical centers in an attempt to curve the rampant spread of COVID-19.
According to officials, the policy was placed into effect sometime before 8 p.m. and will remain in place until further notice.
Shortly after the policy was implemented, University Hospital officials placed their visitation information as a "Red Zone," which indicates no visitors, with limited exceptions according to too the medical center's website.
University Hospital officials said the exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities, but the care team must approve all exceptions.
Officials at University released the following in a statement:
"Our priority during this pandemic is to protect patients, visitors and staff. Our visitation policy is designed to balance the importance of visitation for our patients and their loved ones while protecting all of us from the spread of coronavirus. We reassess our visitation policy weekly based on the current COVID-19 activity in our region. Please frequently check for updates, and contact us if you have questions".
According to the policy, all area EMS agencies were advised that no one is to accompany any victims to the hospitals unless they are minors.
Officials at Clara Maass Hospital in Belleville has confirmed with RLS Media that they have also implemented a 'No Visitors' policy.