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Yale New Haven Health announced on Wednesday, Dec. 22 that visitors to admitted patients in all its hospitals will have to show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative PCR test, or else be turned away at the door.
The vaccination requirement takes effect as of 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23.
Additionally, patients will only be allowed one visitor each day, all of whom must be 18 years or older.
“Visitors will be required to show a photo ID and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (14 days post final COVID vaccine dose) prior to entering,” officials said. “Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors are eligible for visitation only if they can provide proof of a negative PCR test that was collected within 72 hours of visit.”
Home test kits will not be accepted.
“In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases, we made the difficult decision to require proof of vaccination across our health system to keep our patients, visitors and staff as safe as possible,” Yale New Haven Health Chief Clinical Officer Thomas Balcezak said. “By taking these steps, it’s essential that we examine what best practices are and move forward to limit the opportunity for exposure.
“By showing proof of full vaccination or recent negative test status, we are making every effort to keep risk minimized and ensure the health and well-being of everyone across our health system.”
Yale New Haven Health includes:
- Yale New Haven Hospital;
- Bridgeport Hospital;
- Greenwich Hospital;
- Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London;
- Westerly Hospital in Rhode Island.
“The health and safety of our patients, families, and staff members is our top priority,” Balcezak added. “These visitation guidelines will balance preventing the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 with the needs of our patients and their loved ones.”
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