Due to the low prevalence of
COVID-19 in southeast Georgia communities, effective April 25, 2022,
Southeast Georgia Health System will relax its masking and resume its pre-COVID-19
visitor policies.
Masks
Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance
for healthcare facilities—which as Joint Commission certified facilities
the Health System must follow--all individuals, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated,
are required to wear procedural masks in all clinical areas and hallways
in Health System buildings where clinical services are provided. Signage
will be posted in areas requiring masks. To the extent new CDC guidance
is released allowing relaxing of masking in these areas, the Health System
will adjust its policy accordingly.
For its vaccinated team members and medical staff, as well as all patients
and visitors, masks will be optional in non-clinical buildings, administrative
offices, cafeterias, conference rooms and gift shops. Medical staff and
team members receiving a medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19
vaccination mandate are required to mask in all “optional masking” areas.
Visitation
With the exception of COVID-19 patient floors, visitation will be open
with very little restrictions, consistent with pre-COVID-19 visitor policies.
Specialized units, such as intensive and critical care units, may have
individual restrictions and/or flexibilities for their patients. Children
under the age of 12 may have limited visiting privileges or may be restricted
from some patient areas.
Individuals should not visit patients if experiencing any illness or COVID-19
or flu-like symptoms.
COVID-19 screenings
In-person screenings at Health System facility entrances have been discontinued.
Signage at each entrance directs those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
to avoid entering the building unless seeking medical treatmen. Team members
and medical staff members will continue to self-monitor for potential illness.
The Health System reserves the right to update masking and visitation policies
at any time based on COVID-19 conditions.