UNC Health eases visitor restrictions; officials say previous rule created 'strain' on patients

More strict restrictions were put in place during March, when the coronavirus pandemic hit. In most cases, visitors were not allowed in order to protect the patients.

Health officials said they loosened restrictions because of the strain that stopping visits had on families and patients.

"We recognize that allowing visitors is an important step that can improve the overall health of our patients," Chief Nurse Executive of UNC Health Cathy Madigan wrote in a statement.

Senate bill seeks visiting rights for patients in pandemic

“While our previous restrictions were necessary, we realize they created an added strain on patients and families,” she added.

Visitors who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed in the hospitals. This change applies to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, including the Hillsborough Hospital, UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh and Johnston Health hospitals in Smithfield in Clayton.

Visitors are required to wear masks. Restrictions still remain in outpatient facilities for now.

This month, Senate Bill 730 was proposed to try and allow visitors in hospitals. Lawmakers had argued that hospitals had gone too far in banning visitors from hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. The bill, "No Patient Left Alone Act," if passed would override remaining hospital bans or restrictions on visitors.