Following more than a year of visitation restrictions, St. Lawrence Health’s full visitor policy resumed Wednesday, July 28.

Masks are still mandated and required for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals within a healthcare setting.

While most visitation has been restored, restrictions remain in place for patients diagnosed with or are under investigation for COVID-19 as a continuing precaution.

The full visitor policy extends to each of St. Lawrence Health’s Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, and Massena Hospital campuses, including their waiting and dining areas. Patrons are reminded to continue following social distancing requirements, whenever possible.

This announcement follows St. Lawrence County’s continued decrease in COVID-19 case numbers and improved vaccination rates.

“After assessing the current prevalence of COVID-19 within our community, we are pleased to return to normal visitation hours. Although the modified visitation was necessary at the time, we recognize that in-person visits play an important part in the healing process and we strongly encourage family and friends to resume safe visits and serve as a member of their loved-one’s extended health care team,” said Jeremy Slaga, Esq., St. Lawrence Health’s Senior Vice President of Administration.

Visitors and patients are still required to wear a well-fitted medical-grade surgical mask, covering both the nose and mouth when at any one of the Systems’ hospitals or off-site locations.

If a visitor or patient does not have a mask, they should request a mask upon arrival. Masks with exhalation valves or vents are strictly prohibited. Children younger than two years of age are exempt from the mask requirement. Individuals who do not wear a mask and fail to comply with the hospitals’ masking and screening requirements will be asked to leave the facility.

Visitors and patients are still required to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure to the virus within the last 14 days; and they are asked not to visit the hospital if those criteria apply.

Patients going to outpatient facilities who have COVID-like symptoms or exposure to the virus within the last 14 days should notify their practice prior to appointments so that reasonable accommodations may be made for the safety of staff, patients, and families.

“We are grateful to our community for their continued cooperation in ensuring we can resume in-person visiting in a safe manner to protect our team, patients, and visitors,” added Slaga.

Individual hospitals may have further restrictions on age requirements for specific units/departments (example: OB Unit Visitors must be at least 12 years of age).

For more information, patients and visitors may visit the St. Lawrence Health website at https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/patients-visitors.