As Vidant Health continues to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic across North Carolina, we are taking steps to ensure the safety of all. Vidant remains vigilant with its screening process for all visitors, entry requirements and visitor restrictions by department.

In anticipation of increased community spread across the country and here in eastern North Carolina throughout the holiday season, Vidant is proactively adjusting its visitation restrictions at ECU Health Medical Center.

These new restriction exceptions are effective 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 at ECU Health Medical Center.

For a full list of visitor restrictions by department, see VidantHealth.com/Alerts

As people plan their holiday season, Vidant encourages all community members to celebrate safely. Before you plan a traditional holiday gathering, consider setting up a virtual celebration with apps like Zoom or Google Meet instead to ensure the safety of those you love.

If you do plan to attend an in-person gathering, consider setting it up outside. Additionally, be sure to keep these holiday safety tips in mind: limit the number of people at gatherings, avoid out of town travel and practice the 3 Ws: wear a mask, wash hands often, wait 6 feet apart from others.

This is an evolving situation and Vidant continues to monitor the spread and examine local data, including COVID-19 cases in our region and in hospitals, and will adjust visitation restrictions accordingly.

Vidant still recommends and supports virtual connectivity to help loved ones safely interact with patients, especially in facilities where patients are at an increased risk for complications such as long-term nursing facilities.

For more information on Vidant’s visitor restrictions, please visit VidantHealth.com/Alerts