Mercy is revising its visitor policy at all hospital and clinic locations across the state due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Starting Monday, Aug. 2, all patients will be allowed one designated visitor during their in-patient stay or out-patient visit at all Mercy campuses in Oklahoma. While visiting hours may vary, the number of permitted visitors will not.

“This is a difficult decision and we know it has a big impact on our patients and their families,” said Dr. Chad Smith, chief medical officer at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. “We have seen a big increase in the number of COVID-19 inpatients in Oklahoma City in a short amount of time and this virus is quickly spreading across the state. The COVID-19 Delta variant is significantly more transmissible and therefore we simply have to reduce the amount of traffic in our facilities to protect our patients, co-workers and community.”

The exceptions to the visitor policy are:

1. All patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as those with pending test results, may not have a visitor.
2. Three visitors will be allowed for all patients nearing the end of life.
3. All visitors must be 16 or older.

Mercy will allow anyone working as interpreters or acting as health care power of attorney for patients as they will not be considered visitors.

If visitors are not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with COVID, Mercy is asking they avoid visiting a Mercy campus unless they are seeking medical care as a patient.

Masks are required at all times and the hospital system continues to urge good hand hygiene and social distancing.