Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children's Hospital of New Jersey

Effective April 2, 2025

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ) visitation guidelines reflect our commitment to our patients and their support persons.

The RWJBarnabas Health Fast-Pass visitor identification system is now live. All visitors will be required to present identification at hospital entrances, at which time they will be issued a Photo ID Badge.

We continue to take every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19 and contagious respiratory illnesses by following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health departments and agencies such as the New Jersey Hospital Association.

Visiting Guidelines

• Adult Inpatient
  Up to two visitors permitted at same time
• Emergency Department
  Up to one visitor permitted for duration
• Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery
  Up to two visitors permitted at same time
  One doula, must be the same doula, for duration of birth parent’s stay
• Surgery/Procedure Patients
  Provided social distancing can be accomplished, one visitor until patient is taken into prep
  One visitor when patient is in recovery and preparing for discharge
• Pediatrics
  Two parents or guardians may visit at the same time
  Siblings may be permitted for end of life
• Immunocompromised
  No visitors
  • EXCEPTION: One parent or one guardian of pediatric patients for the duration of stay
  • EXCEPTION: Exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental or cognitive impairment including dementia, communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
  • EXCEPTION: End of life care
• Psychiatry
  Up to two visitors for duration may be permitted
  Permission to visit is granted at discretion of care team
  Permission to visit must be approved by care team in advance of visit
• End of Life
  No limit on number of visitors permitted, provided care team approves and deems it is safe and feasible to meet social distancing guidelines

Safety Measures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In response to the stabilization of key respiratory viral benchmarks across RWJBarnabas Health and the region, effective Wednesday, April 2, masking will be optional at all RWJBarnabas Health locations for staff, providers, patients, visitors, volunteers and vendors.

Please note:

• Masking may still be required for certain patients on standard infection prevention protocols, and/or on units responsible for the care of vulnerable patients at the determination of each site.
• Masks will continue to be available to staff, providers, patients, visitors, volunteers and vendors in our facilities.
• Masking will be requested of all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, if tolerated, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
• Should a patient request their caregiver wear a mask, staff and providers are expected to comply.

While we expect the trajectory of respiratory viral activity will continue to move in this positive direction, we will remain vigilant in monitoring benchmarks and may adjust policies accordingly to ensure the safety of our workforce and communities. This could potentially include requiring masks again should we see increases in contagious respiratory viruses and/or communicable diseases moving forward.

As always, we encourage you and our communities to take steps to reduce the spread of contagious illnesses by remaining up-to-date with appropriate vaccinations and boosters; choosing to wear a mask if you aren’t feeling well and/or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, influenza and/or another contagious illness; and observing isolation guidelines when appropriate.

Visiting Outpatient and Medical Group Facilities

• Masking is optional in all RWJBarnabas Health facilities for patients, visitors, staff, volunteers and physicians.
• Masking is REQUIRED for all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
• Every patient has the right to request their provider(s) and/or staff wear a mask when treating them.

Upon checking in, please let a member of our team know if you are experiencing any of the following:

1. If you have a fever or have felt feverish in the last 24 hours or are experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. Possible symptoms include, but are not limited to:
   • Fever or chills
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body aches
   • Headache
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Sore throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
2. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (or another contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza or RSV) within the last 10 days.
3. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection (or another contagious respiratory illness) in the last 10 days even if you are asymptomatic.

Prior to and During the Visit

All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.

RWJBH understands that a hospitalization can be a stressful and uncertain time for many. The visitation policy reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of our patients while prioritizing the safety of all those who enter our facilities.

Our staff and physicians are here to support you and your loved ones and will take into consideration any requests that are made beyond the parameters of this policy in the best interest of the patient.

With guidance from the New Jersey Hospital Association, New Jersey Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and regional and local health departments, we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the health, well-being and safety of our patients, our staff and the communities we serve.

In-Room Virtual Visits

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.