Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White and St. David’s Healthcare have all adopted a “no visitor” policy as part of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Here is their statement:

“COVID-19 continues to spread within our community, Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White, and St. David’s HealthCare will implement a “no visitor” policy in all hospitals beginning Sunday, March 22. Our priority is to reduce the transmission risk within our sites of care. Exceptions will be made for laboring and post-partum patients; patients with disabilities or impairments or who are elderly; patients in the neonatal ICU (NICU) and pediatric units; patients requiring surgery or other medical procedures; and patients requiring end-of-life care. One caregiver 18 years or older may accompany these patient populations; the visitor must pass our previously established health-screening criteria upon entrance into the facility.

“While we understand the importance of having the support of loved ones during a hospital visit or stay, we must prioritize the health and safety of our patients and caregivers during this unprecedented pandemic. We encourage support persons to use alternate methods of communication to stay in contact with loved ones, such as phone calls, video chats or texting.

“We will continue to modify our response protocols as the needs within our community evolve.”