Important Information About Visitation Guidelines

at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Effective December 1, 2025

Masking

In response to an increase in key viral benchmarks across RWJBarnabas Health and the region, and in support of the total wellbeing of our communities, patients and colleagues, RWJBarnabas Health has implemented the following masking protocols at all system locations, effective Monday, December 1.

Inpatient Care Locations

• Physicians, providers and staff – Face masks must be worn when providing direct care to patients. All staff can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
• Patients – All inpatients who are able to will be required to wear a face mask when leaving their room and can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
• Visitors, volunteers and vendors – Face masks must be worn at all times in the presence of patients when at an RWJBarnabas Health facility.
• Every patient has the right to request physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff wear a mask when treating them. If a request is made, physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff are required to comply.

Outpatient and Medical Group Care Locations

• Masking will be required for all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
• Masking is strongly encouraged for all physicians, providers, staff,c patients, visitors and vendors at all times when in the presence of patients.
• Outpatient and Medical Group sites can make the decision to require universal masking at their location if they determine this is in the best interest of the patient population they serve, such as a location primarily serving immunocompromised patients.
• Every patient has the right to request physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff wear a mask when treating them. If a request is made, physicians(s), provider(s) and/or staff are required to comply.

We will remain vigilant in monitoring benchmarks and may adjust policies accordingly to ensure the safety of our workforce and communities.

As always, we encourage you and our communities to take steps to reduce the spread of contagious illnesses by remaining up-to-date with appropriate vaccinations and boosters; choosing to wear a mask if you aren’t feeling well and/or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, influenza and/or another contagious illness; and observing isolation guidelines when appropriate.

Visiting Hours

The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is our number one priority. Please be aware of the following guidelines before visiting one of our hospitals or health care facilities.

Unless noted, two (2) visitors at a time are permitted for all units between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older unless noted. Guests should not visit if they are sick.

• Labor and Delivery. Two (2) significant others/support persons are permitted, including the birth partner. A doula is permitted throughout labor, delivery and the entire post-partum hospital stay. The doula does not count as a support person and is not included in the visitor designated count.
• Post-partum/Mother-Baby. Two (2) visitors at a time, in addition to the birth partner. Siblings are permitted during visiting hours. Maximum of four (4) people in the room, including two (2) parents. A doula is permitted throughout labor, delivery and the entire post-partum hospital stay. The doula does not count in the visitor designated count.
• Pediatrics/PICU. Two (2) parents or guardians allowed anytime; maximum of four (4) visitors in the room, including two (2) parents. Siblings are permitted during visiting hours.
• NICU. Two (2) parents or guardians allowed anytime; maximum of four (4) designated people. Siblings age 3 years or older are permitted during visiting hours.
• CTICU. Visiting by appointment between the hours of 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
• Surgery/Procedures: Two (2) visitors are allowed until the patient is taken to the pre-op area. Two visitors are allowed when the patient is in recovery and preparing for discharge.

We will accommodate all visitation in compliance with Department of Health and Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Extenuating circumstances to the temporary guidelines and individual requests will always be considered based on the best interest and needs of the individual patient.

Visitation Guidelines

Please help us stop the spread of contagious respiratory illness. Please defer your visit to another day:

1. If you have a fever or have felt feverish in the last 24 hours or are experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. Possible symptoms include, but not limited to:
   • Fever or chills
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body aches
   • Headache
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Sore throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
2. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (or another contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza or RSV) within the last 10 days.
3. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection (or another contagious respiratory illness) in the last 10 days and cannot wear a mask — even if you are asymptomatic.

RWJBH Find Your Way – our user-friendly mobile app – helps you navigate arrival, recommends the best place to park based on the area you are visiting, and gives you turn-by-turn directions once inside.