Due to the increasing concern regarding community spread of COVID-19, Bridgeport Hospital is restricting visitor access to patients at the hospital, and its outpatient facilities.

In a statement, the hospital says, "We know in-person visits provide support and reassurance and we understand that visitation restrictions can be very unsettling to patients and family members alike. Our teams are committed to maintaining a compassionate connection virtually between patients and their loved ones to reduce this burden."

To prevent the spread of the virus, and protect the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff, starting Nov. 14 the hospital is implementing the below restrictions:

- There is no visitation to hospitalized patients due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the patient’s clinical team. Among the visitor exceptions that can be made will be for maternity patients, children who are patients, patients for whom end-of-life is imminent, NICU patients, and patients with disabilities.

- The hospital is encouraging visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and/or phone.

- All visitors who do enter the hospital will be screened for evidence of illness by the staff at the front desk and will be required to wear a mask at all times.

- Visitors who are sick will not be permitted to enter the hospital; this is without exception.