POUGHKEEPSIE – People visiting any of the region’s Nuvance Health hospitals and facilities must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours, effective October 5. Nuvance operates Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, and Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel.
This mandate includes inpatients, emergency departments, Nuvance Health Medical Practices, and ambulatory services. Special populations and visitors with extenuating circumstances may be asked to provide documentation, but it is not a requirement to visit.
“This visitation change is a very important way to limit the risk of our patients, visitors, and staff to COVID-19,” Chief Experience Officer Steve Meth said. “We know visitors and loved ones play an essential role as partners in healing and wellness, and we continually evaluate these guidelines with experts from nursing, infection prevention and physician leaders to craft the safest possible path to keep a loved one at our patients’ side in their moment of need.”
“Fully vaccinated” means the visitor had a second Pfizer or Moderna dose or a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two weeks prior to their hospital visit.
Acceptable types of documentation include a physical, digital copy or photocopy of the visitor’s vaccine card or documentation from the visitor’s healthcare provider showing dates of vaccination, provider name, and World Health Organization approved vaccine administered.
Antigen and molecular tests are acceptable forms of COVID-19 testing as is any at-home test that is observed and verified, with results showing name, date, and negative result by a healthcare provider or licensed COVID-19 testing center. All visitors to health facilities must continue to wear a face mask.
Nuvance Health’s Visitation Policy permits one support person per day for patients not suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 will be allowed visitation only for extenuating circumstances and special patient populations. To read the visitation policy, visit nuvancehealth.org/visitationpolicy.
Go to vaccines.gov to find the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine availability at certain providers and pharmacies.
