Bermuda Hospitals Board is to begin restricted visits tomorrow at its acute care units because of the rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the community.

The restrictions were last in place in June, because of the pandemic.

Norma Smith, vice president of the acute and ambulatory department, said the decision had been “a tough call”.

She said BHB had to balance the “vital emotional support” patients got from visitors with the health risk to the vulnerable.

She added: “We ask family members and loved ones to please understand that we are trying to do our very best to ensure those in our care are protected from the risks in the community right now.”

Visitors were told to heed physical distancing, good hand hygiene and mask-wearing at all times, including in private patient rooms.

Breaches could result in visits being suspended.

Patients must identify visitors as a support person prior to their arrival.

Names will be held at the front desks of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

Visitors are restricted to public restrooms on each floor and not patient bathrooms.

Overnight stays are not allowed.

A spokeswoman said anyone feeling unwell would not be permitted, along with people who had been in contact with a positive Covid-19 case, and people in quarantine.

Anyone who has travelled overseas would not be allowed to visit until after a negative Covid-19 day 14 test result.

For visits to the hospital’s acute care units, designated support people can visit for two hours each day between noon and 6pm after checking in at the front desk in the hospital’s lobby.

In the three acute care ward units where patients are in large private rooms, listed as ACE Barber, Ascendant Partner Re and Catlin Lindo Units, a maximum of two visitors at one time can attend.

In Curtis Ward of the KEMH general wing of KEMH, one visitor will be allowed at a time.

For the Intensive Care Unit, one designated support person per patient is permitted up to two hours between 10am and noon, or 4pm to 6pm.

MWI acute care visits must be approved by a manager, after calling 236-3770.

This applies to Somers Ward, Somers Annex, and the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit.

Visitors must check in at the front desk, and meet with patients in a public area such as a family conference room.