Samaritan Implements Birthing Unit Restrictions October 20, 2023 To protect patients and reduce exposure of respiratory viruses circulating in our community, Samaritan Health Services has put the following visitor restrictions in place in their birthing units. Visitor restrictions for all birthing areas of Samaritan’s five hospitals in Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties will include: No visitors under the age of 12. No visitors with fever or respiratory symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath. Masking required for visitors and staff. In addition, during times of high community spread, SHS strongly recommends anyone coming into their facilities to wear medical-grade face masks. Staff will be required to mask up during face-to-face contact with patients during these times. These measures will stay in effect until rates of community spread of respiratory viruses drop to a lower level. The spread is monitored through positive test results in the community. Occasionally masks will be required to be worn in other areas of Samaritan facilities to help protect patients and staff. Signage at the entrances will notify visitors of the current masking policy. There may be stronger restrictions noted with signs entering specific sections of the hospital. For more information, please visit samhealth.org/Visitors.
