Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children's Hospital of New Jersey

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ) visitation guidelines reflect our commitment to our patients and their support persons.

The RWJBarnabas Health Fast-Pass visitor identification system is now live. All visitors will be required to present identification at hospital entrances, at which time they will be issued a Photo ID Badge.

We continue to take every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19 and contagious respiratory illnesses by following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local health departments and agencies such as the New Jersey Hospital Association.

Temporary Visitor Restriction: No visitors under 16 years-old EXCEPT sibling, grandchild, child of patient if essential to visit, and must wear mask during visit.

No visitors are permitted for COVID-19-positive patients except for circumstances approved by the care team.

Visiting Guidelines for All Others

  • Adult Inpatient
    Up to two visitors permitted at same time
  • Emergency Department
    Up to one visitor permitted for duration
  • Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery
    Up to two visitors permitted at same time
    One doula, must be the same doula, for duration of birth parent’s stay
  • Surgery/Procedure Patients
    Provided social distancing can be accomplished, one visitor until patient is taken into prep
    One visitor when patient is in recovery and preparing for discharge
  • Pediatrics
    Two parents or guardians may visit at the same time
    Siblings may be permitted for end of life
  • Immunocompromised
    No visitors
    • EXCEPTION: One parent or one guardian of pediatric patients for the duration of stay
    • EXCEPTION: Exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental or cognitive impairment including dementia, communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
    • EXCEPTION: End of life care
  • Psychiatry
    Up to two visitors for duration may be permitted
    Permission to visit is granted at discretion of care team
    Permission to visit must be approved by care team in advance of visit
  • End of Life
    No limit on number of visitors permitted, provided care team approves and deems it is safe and feasible to meet social distancing guidelines

Safety Measures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All visitors are expected to adhere to the following safety protocols:

  • Masks are optional except when indicated on specific units or in identified areas. We will offer you a new mask for source control or may ask you to replace your own mask with a hospital-supplied mask.
  • Clean your hands before and after your visit.
  • Be aware of maintaining physical distancing.

Reglas para los visitantes en español (PDF)

When indicated, individuals may wear their own face mask/covering. If they do not have their own face mask/covering they will be provided one.

If an individual is permitted to visit a COVID-19-positive patient because of extenuating circumstances or if a patient is on isolation precautions, they will be provided with and must wear appropriate PPE as recommended by the CDC. Staff will direct the visitor on the appropriate PPE.

If a visitor refuses to wear a mask or other PPE as indicated, that individual will be asked to leave the facility.

* Face masks with valves will not be permitted as the valves allow unfiltered air to be released. This does not protect others from bacteria spread, per the CDC.

Prior to and During the Visit

All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.

RWJBH understands that a hospitalization can be a stressful and uncertain time for many. The visitation policy reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of our patients while prioritizing the safety of all those who enter our facilities.

Our staff and physicians are here to support you and your loved ones and will take into consideration any requests that are made beyond the parameters of this policy in the best interest of the patient.

With guidance from the New Jersey Hospital Association, New Jersey Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and regional and local health departments, we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the health, well-being and safety of our patients, our staff and the communities we serve.

In-Room Virtual Visits

We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Patient Stories

  • “That medical staff in the ICU was amazing – they definitely went above and beyond.”

    Rafaelito
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  • Naiya says she feels like a walking miracle and is blessed to be surrounded by all the doctors, nurses and medical staff at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

    Naiya
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  • “I knew I had to get moving so I could get out of the hospital and attend my son’s wedding.”

    Charles
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Patient Stories

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