Lafayette Hospitals Announce Visitor Restrictions

Unprecedented, it's a word I have used a lot over the past few days. It certainly describes the situation the world is facing in regard to the COVID-19 threat. While some call it fear-mongering, it actually equates to a better than average helping of common sense.

Among the leaders in common sense when it comes to health care are the members of the medical community in Acadiana. We are very blessed to have many fine hospitals staffed with well-trained teams to ensure that our care is the very best.

However, during these unprecedented times, there has to be a new normal. Among the changes that create our new normal is visitation restrictions and visitor screenings at Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General.

Both OLOL and LGMC will place limits on the number of visitors that can spend time with a hospitalized patient. At Our Lady of Lourdes, patients will be limited to two visitors 12 years or older per patient in the facility. The hospital is also adding screening stations at entrances. Those screenings will be based on the current Centers for Disease Control guidelines. 

Lafayette General will restrict visitation to one person per patient. The hospital will also conduct a screening and be very mindful of patients or visitors that present potential health problems. Should those symptoms be observed the hospital says it will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Both facilities are in constant communication with local, state, and federal authorities in regard to the COVID-19 threat. Changes or adjustments in these policies are likely as the threat in Acadiana becomes better defined over the next several weeks.