Mayo Clinic Has Loosened its Visitor Restrictions in Rochester
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM NEWS) - The ongoing downward trend in COVID-19 activity in the Rochester area has prompted the Mayo Clinic to loosen its visitor policy.
In announcing the change today, the Mayo Clinic cited consistently low COVID-19 infection positivity rates in the community. Two visitors are now being allowed per patient as long as they are at least five years old. Visitors under the age of 18 must also be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Two visitors are also now allowed in the neonatal intensive care unit that they must be at least 18 years old. Mayo is also requiring they be consistent visitors, unlike other areas of the Mayo Clinic Hospitals in Rochester where the visitors may rotate. The policy also notes requests for exceptions to the age restrictions will be considered by the patient's care team and hospital leadership.
The Mayo Clinic instituted a near-total ban on visitors last November as COVID-19 cases were surging in Rochester and other parts of Minnesota and the nation. That was later modified to allow a single visitor per patient as COVID activity was declining.
All visitors to Mayo Clinic locations in Rochester will continue to be screened at the doors, required to wear masks at all times, and comply with social distancing guidelines. Visiting hours are between 7 AM and 9 PM.
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