From what we understand about COVID-19 infections, those most at risk of more serious illness are older and the very young (newborns to 1 year of age). We’ve developed some guidance around visitors in the newborn period based on mom’s COVID-19 testing results at delivery, if applicable:
If mom or baby test COVID-19 positive, visitors should only be considered once at least ten days have passed since mom or baby developed symptoms AND at least 72 hours have passed during which there has been no fever without anti-fever medications, and any respiratory symptoms are improving. If there are other members in the household, there should be a full two weeks of quarantine for all household contacts after symptom improvement of the infected individual to ensure that no other members of the household develop any symptoms.
If mom tests COVID-19 negative, visitors should still be quite limited. Those who you might consider allowing to visit are those who are in good health and who have adhered to strict social distancing for at least 14 days before coming to visit. It would be ideal to minimize potential exposure during travel (private vehicle with minimal rest stops versus shared bus/train/air). In case of potential COVID-19 exposure during hospitalization, visitors would ideally wait until your family has been at home for at least 14 days since being discharged from the hospital. However, families may also have family or friends come prior to delivery to help care for other children in your home. If visitors require air travel to visit, consider an arrival two weeks before they are needed and have them quarantine in a hotel or a rental home nearby, especially if traveling internationally or from a high COVID-19 prevalence area.
If you have additional questions unique to your family’s needs, we’d be happy to talk through them with you. You can also schedule a telehealth consultation visit for existing patients to discuss your questions. Some offices offer prenatal visits via telehealth for new patients.
As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, please note that the above guidance may change. Most importantly, remember that frequent hand washing, wearing a mask while in public, avoiding touching your face, social distancing and sanitizing high-touch surfaces remain critical to controlling viral spread.