HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health is committed to the safety of patients, staff and the general public while providing high-quality care. To continue to provide this level of care during the evolving outbreak of COVID-19, Penn State Health is enacting temporary changes to hospital visitation guidelines at facilities in Dauphin and Berks counties, effective immediately.
Patients at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey may have only two visitors at a time. At Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, adult patients may have one visitor at a time, and pediatric patients may have two visitors at a time. Visitors under the age of 18 are not allowed at either hospital campus.
To best protect patients and staff, visitors with any symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, runny nose, sore throat or body aches should not visit either facility at this time. Penn State Health also is asking family and friends of patients to not send any deliveries, such as food or flowers, to our hospitals.
COVID-19 may cause cough, fever or shortness of breath. Most individuals will have mild illness. Some people, particularly individuals over 60, those with underlying health problems, and pregnant women may have more serious illness requiring hospital care. Penn State Health recommends that anyone with concerns that they may have COVID-19 call their provider, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, before going to a clinic, urgent care center, or emergency department. It is critical to have your initial encounter via phone and work with health care providers to determine the next steps regarding testing and where you should go to receive care to limit potential exposure to others. Penn State Health’s telehealth service, Penn State Health OnDemand, is available for COVID-19 consultation, as well as any other acute illnesses.