COVID-19 Information and Visitor Policy for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California

 
LAST UPDATED: July 21, 2021, 3:46 p.m.

As part of our commitment to protect our patients and staff, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have implemented the following in our facilities:

Masks
Anyone entering our facilities must wear a mask over their nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status.

Temperature Screening
Anyone entering our hospital and surgical settings in our facilities will encounter temperature checkpoints. If you are found to have an elevated temperature you will be provided further instruction.

Potential visitors should stay home if they feel sick. Those entering our medical office buildings or other clinic locations will be prompted to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and provided direction if they have symptoms.

Visitor Policy
Kaiser Permanente visitation policies are based on current guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and are subject to change based on community rates of SARS-CoV-2 and any future CDPH updates.

 

General Hospital Visitation

 
Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospital visitor limitations may vary slightly based on room size and social distancing abilities. If you have questions in advance, call ahead to the medical center where you are seeking care.

Up to 2 visitors at a time, from the same household, following all safety precautions including masking and only when social distancing can be safely maintained.

Labor & Delivery, Postpartum (OB)
Up to 2 designated visitors at a time including a doula, if prearranged.

NICU, PICU, and Pediatrics
Up to 2 designated visitors at a time – may be from different households.

Emergency Room and Perioperative
As necessary, visitor access may be restricted to no visitors or only 1 visitor allowed, for the safety and privacy of patients and staff.

COVID-19 Patients or Patients Under Investigation
Predesignated visitors for COVID-19 patients may be allowed under special circumstances with approval.

Hospice or End of Life (any setting)
Up to 2 visitors at a time – may be from different households.

Multiple Occupancy Room

  • Up to 2 visitors per patient as space can safely allow.
  • Visitors must stay 6 feet apart from other visitors.
  • Visitors must stay 6 feet apart from other patients.
  • All visitors and patients should wear mask regardless of vaccination status.

 
Surgical Patients
Up to 2 visitors at a time from different households until taken to prep. Visitors may wait in available waiting rooms while a patient is being prepared for discharge.

Patients with Physical, Intellectual, and/or Developmental Disabilities and Patients with Cognitive Impairments (any setting)
Up to 2 visitors at a time – may be from different households.

 

Clinic Settings

 

  • One support person for pediatric patients. Up to 2 adults can be present if multiple children have appointments.
  • One support person for adult patients with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities and patients with cognitive impairment, and language needs.
  • One support person for adult patients if emotional support is required during the office visit.
  • One support person if patient is completing an OB ultrasound (in Radiology or OBGYN or Adult and Family Medicine).
  • If not accompanying the patient in the exam room, the support person will be required to wait for the patient outside of the clinic.

 

Visitor Guidelines

 

  • All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms in hospitals and ambulatory surgery units.
  • Visitors do not need to be designated in advance by the patient except for visitors to COVID+/PUI patients, and doulas for labor and delivery. These both require pre-arrangement with the facility.
  • Visitors with symptoms or in active quarantine or isolation for COVID-19 will not be allowed to visit.
  • Visitors must use an appropriate face covering at all times while in the facility, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Visitors must use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting patients who are on transmission-based precautions.
  • Visitors should limit movement in the facility and go directly to and from the patient’s room.
  • Visitors are not allowed to drink or eat while visiting in the patient’s room unless discussed with and allowed by the care team or unit.
  • Visitors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult from the same household (counts as 2 visitors), wear a face mask, and follow all infection control measures during the visit.

 

Policies are in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidelines. They are subject to change based on community rates of SARS-CoV-2 and any future CDPH updates. Local facilities may also prohibit visitation on selected inpatient units in the case of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 outbreak.