Temporary Visitor Restrictions

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Henry Ford Health System has put temporary measures in place to restrict routine visiting of family, friends and community at all our facilities, including hospitals, emergency rooms and medical centers, until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat.

Effective immediately, visitors will be assessed for symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and other symptoms of COVID-19) upon entry into the building.

Exceptions to visitor restrictions

• No visitors will be allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests except in certain situations. These will need approval by the healthcare team.
• Visitors who must exercise power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for a patient are permitted but must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
• Parents, foster parents or guardians of patients who are 21 years of age or under.
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN): Birth parent or guardian who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
  • Pediatric unit: One parent/care giver who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
  • Minors in inpatient behavioral health units may have one parent or guardian visit but not on the unit. Arrangements will be made for off-unit visiting. 
• Obstetric patients may have one person accompany them and must remain in the room for the duration.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life may have very limited number of visitors who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit. This includes family members under the age of 16 with permission of the healthcare team.
• Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one driver who must leave the medical center as soon as possible after the procedure/surgery.
• Patients who have an appointment at a Henry Ford Health System clinic, laboratory, radiology or are visiting the Emergency Department may have one person with them if needed to transport the patient into the facility.
• Minors in inpatient behavioral health units may have one parent or guardian visit but not on the unit. Arrangements will be made for off-unit visiting.
• Personnel providing services to Henry Ford patients (e.g. interpreter services) will be admitted to the facility for the time needed to provide the service.
• No other visitors will be allowed in Henry Ford facilities at this time.

What to expect when visiting a Henry Ford facility

Visitors and patients entering any of our facilities, including hospitals, emergency rooms and medical centers, should expect:

• Entry will be limited to main entrance points 24/7. 
• Masks must be worn; visitors may wear a mask from home or one will be provided. 
• Everyone entering must undergo an assessment for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms of COVID-19). If a person has symptoms, they will not be able to visit and will be directed to the proper resources if they are suspected of having COVID-19.
• All visitors must always remain in the patient room except for quick trips to the bathroom or to purchase food.
• When the visit or appointment is over, visitors must leave the facility promptly.

It is critical that EVERYONE wash their hands or use hand sanitizer each and every time they enter or exit patient rooms and public areas.

We appreciate your understanding during these uncertain times. Our goal is to protect you, your loved one and our staff. If you have questions, please visit our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) page.