Visitor Guidance
Kootenai cares about the health and well-being of our patients and caregivers. Given that COVID-19 is circulating in our community, we must ensure the safety of our facilities and our ability to care for as many patients as possible. Safety is our top priority during this time.
Visitor Restrictions
Visitor restrictions are in place on our hospital campus until further notice. Each patient will be allowed one (1) visitor only in a 24-hour time period. Additionally, a visitor will not be allowed for patients under evaluation for COVID-19 or who have tested positive unless the patient is imminently at the end of their life. Until COVID-19 no longer poses a public health threat, all patients and visitors will be screened.
Visitors must meet all four (4) of the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Free of fever for 72 hours (by report or measured, if available)
- Free of an acute severe cough
- Free of shortness of breath
Except for transit to and from, visitors are to stay in the patient’s room for the duration of their visit.
Visitors must follow staff instructions regarding handwashing and the use of personal protective equipment.
Exceptions:
- No visitors will be allowed on our Behavioral Health Units. Family contact will occur through phone and video chats.
- Clergy/spiritual support personnel as requested by the patient or family members will be allowed.
- Doulas, midwives, or other necessary members of the medical team are allowed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every person wear a cloth face covering (cloth mask, bandana, etc.) when entering a health care facility and all public settings where maintaining social distancing is difficult (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.)
Masking Policy
Beginning April 22, Kootenai Health asks that all patients and visitors begin wearing a cloth face covering before entering any patient care buildings:
- Kootenai Health hospital
- All Kootenai Clinic locations
- Kootenai Urgent Care locations
- Kootenai Health Rehabilitation Services locations
Wearing a face covering helps everyone keep their germs to themselves and prevents the spread of illness especially among those who may not be aware they have it.
Notes:
- Cloth face masks should not be placed on young children under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing, anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face-covering without assistance.
- Regularly wash your cloth face-covering in a washing machine
- Remove your mask carefully without touching eyes, nose and mouth and wash hands immediately after removing
