HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As the number of Houston area COVID-19 cases continues to grow, one of the region's largest medical facilities has decided to restrict visitation to patients for fear of the virus spreading.
Memorial Hermann issued a statement saying its new visitation policy begins today.
The decision was made as staffers attempt to take full precautionary measures to ensure the protection of patients, caregivers and the community.
The statement read, in part:
The following limited exceptions to the no visitor policy will be made and these visitors will be required to clear a health screening before entering the facility. Exceptions may vary by location.
They include:
Memorial Hermann recognizes the importance of family support in the healing process and is encouraging the use of video chat programs on your personal device to visit with loved ones who cannot visit in person.
Friends and family can still call and video chat patients in the hospital.
There is no specific end date for the new policy at this time.