Updated mask policy

Based on current levels of respiratory illness, effective Monday, February 19, 2024, Inova suspended the requirement for universal masking for team members, patients and visitors in our emergency departments (EDs), emergency care centers (ECCs) and urgent care centers (UCCs).

Masks will continue to be offered to visitors and provided to team members. While everyone must wear a mask in high-risk areas, masking is also recommended in all care sites for anyone who is immunocompromised.

Read Inova's full updated policy on masking

Visitor policy for all care site locations

Regardless of care site location, all visitors must adhere to the following:

  • Visitors must not exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Visitation is between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Visitation cannot interfere with the rest and recovery of other patients.
  • Visitors are usually limited to two (2) at a time in a patient's room, and it is generally recommended visitors be age twelve (12) or older to visit*. Children may visit the inpatient unit if they are healthy, well-behaved and supervised at all times by an adult other than the patient. (*For postpartum visits, siblings of any age are allowed as visitors. See Women's visitation policy)
  • Virtual visits are available for adult and adolescent patients at the patient's request.
  • For end-of-life patients, two visitors are permitted at the bedside at the same time without time restriction.

Hospitalized patients

Visitation hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

  • Patients may have two visitors (age 12 or older*) at a time during visitation hours. Minors must be accompanied by an adult (for pediatrics that adult must be a parent or caregiver) at all times. 
    (*For postpartum visits, siblings of any age are allowed as visitors – see Women's visitation policy.)
  • Exceptions can be made for end-of-life situations* and visits from the clergy.
  • Pediatric patients may have two parents/guardians or substitute caregivers at bedside 24/7.
  • When a patient is being discharged from the hospital outside of visiting hours, their designated driver/support person is allowed hospital access to pick them up to receive discharge instructions and medication training.
  • Overnight visitation: Allowed for all patients in a private room; one person for adult patients and two parents/guardians for minors (team members may use discretion if an additional care provider is necessary for the visit).

Emergency Room (ER)

  • Patients may have two unique visitors per ER visit, in addition to a Designated Support Person (DSP), if applicable.
  • For pediatric patients, only two parents/guardians or substitute caregivers may visit.

Outpatient and ambulatory sites

  • Two accompanying companions (age 16+) are allowed.

Behavioral Health inpatient

  • Visiting hours are 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. daily. One person per patient.

Women's health

Labor and delivery visitation

  • Patients may have up to three (3) visitors (a significant other/support person, plus two (2) others including siblings) who are allowed 24/7 during the labor and delivery experience.
  • Verified trained doulas are not considered visitors; they are  members of the care team – view doula guidelines.
  • We understand that welcoming a new baby is a family event, and siblings often want to be involved. To help ensure a safe and supportive environment for both mother and baby, please keep the following in mind if you plan to bring children:
    • Only siblings of the newborn may visit
    • No other children under age 12 are allowed due to risks for newborns with immature immune systems
    • All visitors must be free of illness
    • Siblings must be supervised at all times by an adult other than the patient
    • An adult visitor must always be available to quickly remove the child from the room if the patient's condition changes or clinical care requires it 

Cesarean deliveries

  • Your designated support person is typically permitted in the operating room during a cesarean delivery
  • In some situations – such as medical emergencies or specific safety concerns – the support person may not be permitted in the operating room
  • Children are not permitted in the operating room. Your companion (age 18+) may accompany you only if another adult is available to care for the child.

Postpartum/family-centered care (FCC) and high-risk perinatal (HRP) visitation

We recognize the importance of family support in the recovery and bonding process after birth and while hospitalized during pregnancy. To promote healing and rest for both parent and baby, the following visitation guidelines apply:

  • Patients may have up to three (3) visitors at a time
    • One companion (age 18+) may stay with the patient overnight; siblings are not permitted to stay overnight.
    • A total of three (3) visitors are welcome daily between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
    • With adult supervision, siblings of the newborn may visit during visitation hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. No other children under age 12 are permitted due to risks for newborns with immature immune systems.
    • Verified trained doulas are considered members of the care team and do not count toward the visitor limit.
  •  We ask that all visitors be respectful to help maintain a peaceful and supportive healing environment. Disruptive behavior may result in being asked to leave.
  • To help ensure a restful experience, families are encouraged to take advantage of Serenity Hours from 3 to 5 p.m., when lights are dimmed and noise is minimized for rest and bonding.
     

Antenatal Testing Center (ATC) visitation

  • One companion (age 16+) is allowed in the exam area with the patient.

Obstetric Emergency Department (OBED)

  • One companion (age 16+) is allowed in the exam area with the patient.

Definition of Designated Support Person (DSP)

If a patient has a documented diagnosis of a pre-existing disability requiring ongoing support in the community, he or she may request continued support and assistance from their Designated Support Person (DSP). The DSP must be over the age of 18 and be knowledgeable about the patient’s specific needs related to the disability. A DSP may be allowed to stay with the patient in designated areas 24/7, and is requested to enter/leave the building between the hours of 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Up to two persons may share DSP duties; however only one person is allowed per day.

A person with a pre-existing disability who utilizes ongoing support from an individual in the community may bring a DSP to all Inova locations and treatment centers.

Definition of a Visitor

Anyone the patient determines significant to their well-being and whose presence would enhance their return to health.

Definition of a Companion

A companion is defined as someone the patient has chosen to remain with them who is not subject to visiting hour restrictions. This also applies to those accompanying patients undergoing diagnostic studies, procedures, or surgery.