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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Effective immediately, Saratoga Hospital is tightening its visitation policies in response to higher COVID-19 rates in Saratoga County and among hospital patients and staff.
Under the updated policy, patients can designate one visitor per day between 4 and 8 p.m. As always, the hospital will allow compassionate exceptions, determined by the patient’s care team on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to safeguarding patients and staff, the change will enable Saratoga Hospital to continue to meet the non-COVID-19 healthcare needs of the community.
COVID-19 rates in the region are surging once more, landing Saratoga County on the national list of communities with “high” levels of infection.
“We are feeling the impact at Saratoga Hospital. Our COVID-related admissions are up dramatically, and more staff are sidelined because of positive test results,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer.
“As a hospital and a community, we must acknowledge that COVID-19 is not done with us yet,” he added. “We have the tools to prevent and reduce the spread of this disease, and it’s time to deploy them again—together.
“By taking some simple steps now, we can halt this surge, protect patients and staff, and reduce both the health and economic toll on our community.”
Falivena stressed that, although hospitalization rates are high, the combination of strong community vaccination rates and weaker COVID-19 variants have helped prevent serious illness and death. He urged the community to make the most of the tools available, including:
• Getting vaccinated and boosted.
• Wearing masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, in areas where COVID-19 rates are high.
• Getting tested if you were exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.
• Staying home, separate from others, if you’re sick.
• Talking with your healthcare provider.
“We are in the fortunate position of being able to manage the spread—an option that wasn’t available during earlier periods of the pandemic,” Falivena said. “We urge the community to join us in making temporary adjustments as needed so we can all benefit.”
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, Saratoga Hospital has separate visitation guidelines for certain departments, including the Behavioral Health Unit, Emergency Department, Mother/Baby Unit, Radiation Oncology Center and Surgical Services. For more information: SaratogaHospital.org.
