Jefferson Healthcare announced via social media that it is postponing elective surgeries for the foreseeable future in order to care for patients already under their care, and to ensure room for any urgent/emergent or acutely ill patients. 

At the time of the announcement, the hospital had 11 admitted patients, four of whom have COVID. 

Additionally, there is significant demand and increased activity in the emergency department, hospital officials said in the post.

The visitation policy continues to be limited to the following scenarios, where patients who meet the criteria may have one consistent visitor per day with in and out privileges:

Patients who require a support person to assist in complex medical decision-making and support for serious illness, end of life, or obstetrical care;

Minor patients may be accompanied by a caregiver at all times;

Patients with altered mental status, developmental delay, or display disruptive behavior (where caregiver provides safety / is key to safe care delivery);

Patients with disabilities are allowed one visitor that is knowledgeable about the needs of the person with a disability to serve as a designated support person;

Children under 12 are not permitted to visit except for limited visitation in end-of-life circumstances; and

Adult patients seeking emergent care for themselves or another child may have minor children present until childcare arrangements can be made.

There are exceptions for laboring women and end of life care. 

For women seeking perinatal care, one visitor is permitted.