The increase of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the state has prompted MU Health Care to enhance its visitation policy out of an abundance of caution for employees, patients and visitors. Additionally, the health system has started limiting elective procedures.

MU Health Care announced earlier this week that patients will be limited to one visitor, who is at least 18 years old, for their entire stay. This applies to visitors of patients who are going to a clinic appointment, the emergency department or admitted to an MU Health Care hospital. For pediatric patients, two visitors will be permitted. Exceptions will be made for parents and guardians of a child and end-of-life situations. Additionally, MU Health Care suspended all volunteers and paused student learners’ clinical rotations.

The new visiting guidelines and changes to elective procedures taking effect today, March 19, include:

• Limiting public entrances to hospitals
  • University Hospital: The main University Hospital circle drive entrance has closed. Visitors may enter through the first level of the Patient and Visitor Parking Garage during visiting hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Emergency Department entrance will remain operational for patients needing care.
  • Ellis Fischel Cancer Center: The circle drive will remain open.
  • Missouri Psychiatric Center: The entrance will remain open.
  • Women’s and Children’s Hospital: Visitors should enter through the main lobby entrance. The Emergency Department entrance will remain operational for patients needing care.
  • Missouri Orthopaedic Institute: Visitors should enter through the second-floor circle-drive entrance on the east side of the building.
• Screening hospital patients, visitors and employees
  • All patients and visitors will be assessed for cough and fever at hospital entrances before being allowed to enter an MU Health Care facility.
  • Patients and visitors who have been screened and approved will be given bracelets.
  • Beginning Monday, March 23, all employees also will be screened upon entry.
• Canceling elective procedures for the following procedures
  • High-risk patients older than 60 or those with co-morbid conditions
  • Patients with anticipated hospital stays longer than two days
  • Procedures that require extensive use of personal protective equipment
• Ending valet services for all locations
  • Shuttle services will be stopped at Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
  • Shuttle services will end for University Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, Missouri Psychiatric Center and Missouri Orthopaedic Institute.

For family members or friends who are unable to visit a patient, MU Health Care offers electronic cheer cards.

Mizzou Pharmacy patients who need prescriptions can take advantage of free shipping services by calling their Mizzou Pharmacy location for more details.