UPSTATE — In light of the important role that support persons play in patients’ care and overall wellbeing, AnMed Health has resumed limited visitation for inpatients.

Exceptions will continue to be made for end-of-life circumstances.

At AnMed Health Medical Center and AnMed Health Cannon, visiting hours will be held between 9 a.m-noon and between 4-6:30 p.m. daily. For the continued safety of patients and staff during COVID-19, visitation is limited to only one support person during the course of each visitation period.

At the AnMed Health Women’s and Children’s Hospital, visiting hours will be held between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Maternity and pediatric patients may have two support persons. Adult surgical patients may have one support person.

One support person may accompany patients for emergency room visits, doctor’s office visits and outpatient procedures.

All support persons

• Must wear a mask or face-covering at all times

• Will be screened upon arrival

• May not visit confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients

• Must be at least 16 years old

“While the change represents a move toward more normal operations, we remain vigilant about the potential spread of COVID-19 and have taken steps to ensure the safety of our facilities for all those who need care,” AnMed said in a news release.

In addition to limiting visitation, AnMed continues to:

• Require all patients, staff and visitors to wear face-coverings

• Screen all patients and visitors upon arrival

• Frequently clean and disinfect all parts of our facilities

• Offer e-visits and other virtual care options whenever possible

• Re-arrange seating in waiting areas, lobbies and cafeterias to allow for social distancing

“As a reminder, emergency care for conditions such as heart attack and stroke should never be delayed,” the news release said. “Likewise, well check-ups and routine screenings are key to the detection of health issues in their earliest, most treatable stages.

“We strongly encourage all community members to seek care when needed, and continue to follow CDC guidelines for wearing masks in public, social distancing and frequent hand-washing.