MOSES LAKE — Effective immediately, Samaritan Healthcare will be barring visitors on all campuses, including the hospital and the clinics on Pioneer Way and on Patton Boulevard.

Few exceptions apply: obstetrics and surgical patients will be allowed one support person, while clinic patients are allowed one support person or caregiver to assist with transport and care.

Clinic pediatric patients may be accompanied by one parent or guardian. Diagnostic testing patients are allowed one caregiver to provide physical assistance or one person to accompany a pediatric patient.

Other special circumstances will be reviewed by nursing staff.

“What we’ve learned is that COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can also spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth,” said Samaritan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrea Carter.

“Restricting visitors reduces the likelihood that an infected person without symptoms will enter the hospital or clinic and expose our patients and staff to the disease.” Carter continued.

People who are exhibiting respiratory illness symptoms, including cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, and patients who have concerns that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 can call Samaritan Healthcare’s 24-hour nurse hotline at 509-764-3331.