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Clark Regional Medical Center announced Thursday it is transitioning from a no-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities.

The decision was made as current projections continue to indicate a lower-than-expected volume of COVID-19 in the region and after careful review of state and federal guidance.

The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per day, have been implemented effective immediately.

“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community,” William Haugh, interim chief executive officer of Clark Regional Medical Center, said. “We continue to monitor closely the prevalence of the virus in our community as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients, and we feel confident that it is safe to begin allowing limited visitors again at this time.”

Inpatients are now limited to one well visitor per day between 1 to 8 p.m., including one designated support person for obstetric patients.

Surgery patients are limited to one well visitor during registration and until the start of the surgical procedure. Once the surgery begins, visitors will be asked to wait in their car.

If social distancing cannot be maintained in the surgery waiting room, visitors may not be permitted.

All visitors must be 18 or older, will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask and an armband while in the facility.

Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Visitors are not allowed for outpatient appointments, ER visits, high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19, including the transitional care unit.

The following exceptions include:

— Pediatric patients may have one well parent or guardian during their hospital stay.

— Patients who are at the end-of-life may have up to two well visitors for the length of time cleared by the attending physician.

— Patients with altered mental status, cognitive impairment, developmental delays or disruptive behavior, where a family member is key to their care, may have one well visitor.

Clark Regional Medical Center continues to screen everyone who enters the facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

For updates on how the hospital is working to maintain a safe and supportive environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit ClarkRegional.org.