CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Medical Center announced on Monday, August 30 that Banner Health, which owns the WMC, is implementing restrictions on the number of visitors most patients will be allowed to see per day.
The restrictions come as the WMC deals with rising numbers of COVID-19 patients, reaching levels not seen since December 2020. The WMC had 40 COVID-19 patients on Monday, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.
The number of patients has trended sharply upward throughout August after the WMC had fewer than 10 patients for most of the summer.
The WMC will be requiring visitors to have masks and limiting most patients to one visitor per day. The hospital is also encouraging virtual visits.
“Visiting hours will remain from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily,” the WMC said Monday.
Visitors will generally be required to be 12 years of age or older.
There are some exceptions to the restrictions, according to the WMC:
Exceptions to the visitor restrictions:
Pediatric patients: Pediatric patients (under the age of 18) may have one guardian or support individual with them outside of visiting hours.
Persons with disabilities: Patients with disabilities who, due to the specifics of the disability, require assistance from someone in order to effectively participate in the healthcare process will be allowed to designate a support person to accompany them while in Wyoming Medical Center or our clinics.
Moms in Labor & Delivery: Moms in labor and delivery may have one support person. Doulas are also permitted for laboring mothers in addition to their support person and visitors. Doulas must leave immediately following the birth.
Emergency Department & Outpatient Procedure Areas: One companion is allowed per day.WMC
“Visits must take place in the patients’ rooms,” the WMC adds. “This visitation policy is in effect for all Banner facilities in Colorado and Wyoming, including outpatient and ambulatory locations, such as: clinics, urgent cares, imaging centers, surgery centers and occupational health services locations.”
All visitors will be required to go through a check-in process and register in order to gain entry. Photo ID will be required each time visitors check in. Visitors can check in at the WMC’s Main Entrance or West Entrance near Sky Lobby.
“Visitors will be issued a day-pass visitor badge that must be worn at all times while onsite,” the WMC says. “In addition, they must have their own mask which should be worn at all times while inside the hospital or one of its clinics. We appreciate your cooperation.”
