MARQUETTE — UP Health System – Marquette announced it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions. The decision was made after careful review of state and federal guidelines. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per stay, have been implemented effective immediately.

“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees, and community,” said Gar Atchison, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UPHS – Marquette. “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.”

As part of the updated visitor restrictions, patients may designate one designated, well visitor for the duration of the patient’s stay. This also includes one companion for outpatient appointments and one support person for obstetric patients (including one certified doula or midwife during labor). All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry, and are required to wear a mask and a dated UPHS visitor sticker for identification while in the facility. Visitors are permitted between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm and must remain in the patient’s room except for the use of restrooms. 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 patients in isolation including those who are under observation or test