SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital — Audrain has instituted a new visitor policy in light of the national COVID-19 emergency.

The visitor practice began Wednesday. The main [north] entrance to the hospital will be closed as well as the outpatient rehabilitation entrance. All patients and visitors will enter the hospital through the emergency room and will be asked screening questions prior to entrance.

The hospital also is limiting visitors to two-at-a-time in patient rooms. All visitors must be a in good health. They shoudl have no sign of respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. Children under 12 will not be allowed.

Certain exceptions will be made, such as with end-of-life situations.

Those who think they have been exposed to COVID-19, or coronavirus, should call in advance of visiting any clinic. SSM has an online assessment tool available.

SSM caregivers are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in using personal protective equipment, such as respirator masks, gloves and gowns, to prevent the spread of the virus.