Coronavirus Update: Visitor Restrictions and Info

We know that parents and families may have many questions about COVID-19. To ensure there is a trusted one-stop resource, we have launched the Connecticut Children’s Pediatric COVID-19 Hotline.

COVID-19 Hotline: 833.226.2362

At Connecticut Children’s, the safety of our patients, patient families and team members is our number one priority. We continue to evolve our family-centered care efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are making decisions to ensure the safety of our families and team members.

Note: This information is current as of September 2, 2022. For the latest updates from Connecticut Children’s, visit connecticutchildrens.org/coronavirus. For the latest public health information, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus and ct.gov/coronavirus.

Visitor Screening

We are screening visitors at all locations for possible COVID-19 exposure and symptoms. To save time, you can answer COVID-19 screening questions from home at covid.connecticutchildrens.org.

Masking Policy 

• All visitors over the age of 2 — regardless of vaccination status — are required to wear a mask. 
• Neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with exhalation valves are not permitted. 

Visitor Restrictions in Effect at All Locations

In alignment with CDC recommendations, we have updated our visitor restrictions effective September 2, 2022. In all cases below, a sibling over 18 years old is counted as a sibling, not as an adult. 

• Inpatient Units (MS6, MS7, MS8, and St. Mary’s): 2 parents/legal guardians/designated adults are permitted at bedside. Siblings are welcome from 8 am–9 pm.
• NICU: 2 parents/legal guardians/designated adults can be identified and entered into the visitor access system upon admission and visit 24/7. Up to 4 additional adult designees can be entered into the visitor access system to visit between 8 am-8 pm. (Only 2 visitors at the bedside at a time.) If the neonate is part of a multiple birth (ex. twin or triplet), discharged sibling(s) may visit with a parent/legal guardian/designated adult. No additional visitors are permitted.
• PICU: 2 parents/legal guardians/designated adults can be identified and entered into the visitor access system upon admission and visit 24/7. Up to 4 additional adult designees can be entered into the visitor access system to visit between 8 am-9 pm. (Only 2 adults at the bedside at a time.) Siblings are welcome from 8 am–9 pm.
• Emergency Department: 2 parents/legal guardians/designated adults permitted. Siblings are welcome in the Emergency Department, but parents are encouraged to have siblings picked up when possible, since siblings are only permitted on inpatient floors from 8 am–9 pm.
• Mental Health Unit (Zone C): 1 parent/legal guardian/designated adult permitted at the bedside. A total of 2 adults can be entered into the visitor access system upon admission. No other visitors are permitted.
• Surgery and Sedation, Radiology With Sedation: 2 parents/legal guardians/designated adults permitted. No other visitors, including siblings, are permitted.
• Outpatient Visits (including Urgent Care and the Infusion Center): 2 parents/legal guardians/designated adults plus siblings are permitted. 

Child care is not available for siblings at Connecticut Children’s, and siblings may not be left unaccompanied in a waiting room or common area.

• We now offer Video Visits for non-urgent outpatient appointments in most specialties, including primary care and urgent care. Call your child’s doctor or specialty clinic to schedule a new Video Visit, or to see about changing an in-person visit to a Video Visit. 
• If you have questions about COVID-19 and your upcoming appointment, please call your specialty clinic. If you are coming to Connecticut Children’s for care, please complete the COVID-19 screening questions at covid.connecticutchildrens.org prior to arriving for your appointment.

Additionally:

• We are unable to accept in-person donations of toys or other items at the medical center. At this time, we can accept toy donations via our Wish List or monetary donations to support Connecticut Children’s Child & Family Support Services.

These restrictions are an important way for us to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and keep our patients and communities safe.

Your health is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

Visitor Tips

How can Connecticut Children’s families and visitors stop the spread of COVID-19?

• Please do not visit patients if you are feeling sick.
• Stay in the patient room as much as possible, and wear a mask any time you are outside the room. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer every time you walk into or out of a patient room.
• If you are a rooming-in parent who is experiencing any cough, fever, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea, please make alternate overnight plans. We will look forward to welcoming you back when you are feeling better.
• If you are a parent or guardian who is sick and already here at Connecticut Children’s, please stay in the patient room, stay out of community spaces such as the family pantries, cafeteria, playroom and gift shop, and wear a mask as you exit the building.
• Talk to your nurse or physician if you have any questions about preventing COVID-19.

More Information

Where can I find more information?

• Questions or concerns about COVID-19? Call Connecticut Children’s Pediatric COVID-19 Hotline at 833.226.2362. 
• For the latest information about the COVID-19 in Connecticut, call 211, text CTCOVID to 898211, or visit ct.gov/coronavirus
• Connecticut Children’s is working closely with the CDC, the nation’s leading public health institute. We recommend visiting their website for the latest news and advice from public health experts: cdc.gov/coronavirus
• Our experts share helpful answers and advice about COVID-19 on the Connecticut Children’s blog, Growing Healthy. Check out all of our COVID-19 posts.