RICHMOND, Va. -- VCU Health System in Richmond updated its hospital visitation rules as cases of COVID-19 aer confirmed around the country. At this time, there are no cases confirmed in Richmond.
The guidelines, which went into effect March 9, are similar to the hospital's peak flu season guidelines:
Only visit patient care areas if you are healthy
Patients can only receive two visitors at a time
Do not visit if you are sick or have a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or joint pain
Do not visit if you have traveled to a location associated with COVID-19
Do not leave children under 18 years of age unattended in the hospital
"As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we understand that the community wants to be prepared," a spokesperson posted on the VCU Health website. "The best thing individuals can do is to stay healthy includes washing your hands diligently, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. It also includes not touching your face, including nose, eyes and mouth, particularly with unwashed hands."
As of Monday morning, there were two confirmed cases in Virginia and more than 560 cases nationwide.