(Paducah, Ky.) March 10, 2020 -- Baptist Health is closely monitoring the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) updates. In an abundance of caution, Baptist Health has activated the appropriate infection control protocols at each hospital until further notice to protect patients, as well as the staff and community.

Maternity and NICU: Only parents and grandparents will be allowed to visit the NICU. On the Mother-Baby and Labor and Delivery units, parents, grandparents, and siblings without a fever or runny nose will be allowed to visit. Please keep the number of visitors to two at a time.

All Other Adult Units (non-maternity): Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU), Telemetry, and Medical/Surgical patients, and anyone having outpatient surgery or other procedures, will be allowed up to two visitors at a time from immediate family.

Clergy: We respectfully welcome clergy for Palliative Care, Emergent and Hospice Care patient family support, along with immediate family members only.

When visiting, remember to wash your hands with soap and water when entering and leaving patient rooms.

Those with fever, runny nose, body aches, or respiratory symptoms should not visit.

"The well-being and safety of our patients and the community is always our top priority," said Chris Roty, president of Baptist Health Paducah. "Our healthcare professionals are highly trained and ready to handle any kind of emergency. We ask that visitors adhere to these temporary restrictions, so we can maintain the safest possible environment for everyone."

For more information about COVID-19 transmission and prevention, please refer to CDC guidelines.

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PR Specialist

Baptist Health Paducah