On Monday a new set of visitor restrictions went into effect at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Mexico in response to the number of COVID-19 cases locally and across the state.
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![SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Mexico put strict visitor guidelines in place this week. The guidelines also apply to the facility in Jefferson City. [Nathan Lilley]](https://beta.creativecirclecdn.com/mexicoledger/original/20210723-140207-ssm%282%29.jpg)
On Monday a new set of visitor restrictions went into effect at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Mexico in response to the number of COVID-19 cases locally and across the state.
“We have seen an alarming increase in hospitalizations from COVID-19 and a substantial increase in community transmission,” said Mike Baumgartner, regional president of SSM Health in mid-Missouri. “In an effort to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible, we are limiting the number of people coming into the hospitals on a daily basis.”
Hospital authorities have banned all visitors, with a few exceptions. Family Birth Center patients are allowed one support person for the duration of the stay. Pediatric patients must have one guardian at all times. Patients having a surgery or procedure are allowed one support person.
The hospital will allow a limited number of visitors for end-of-life situations, but only with an approval from nursing leadership.
These rules apply for both the facility in Mexico and Jefferson City. In Jefferson City, guests must come through the Outpatient Entrance between 5 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am until 2 pm on the weekend. In Mexico, visitors must enter through the Emergency Room between 8 am and 8 pm.
In addition to the new set of restrictions, visitors must wear face coverings at all times. Guests need to bring their own masks. There is a screening procedure, including temperature checks and social distancing guidelines apply.
SSM Health may adjust these guidelines as the situation changes. On Friday there were 128 active cases in Audrain County, according the the Audrain County Health Department.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and ask for the community’s assistance in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Baumgartner said.
Drive-thru testing site changes hours of operation
The SSM Health drive-thru testing site in Mexico is changing its hours of operation.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 23, the testing site will be open Monday through Friday from 9 am to noon. The site is located at the main entrance of the hospital off Love and Monroe Streets, specifically 620 E. Monroe.
Note that the testing site will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
A physician’s order is required for testing. Anyone who feels sick and has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 is encouraged to complete a free online evaluation at www.ssmhealth.com/covid19 or call their primary care provider.
