In accordance with a May 31 health order by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer, Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) is implementing several changes in its current COVID-19 visitation policy.

Visitation hours at the acute hospital will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m., with some exceptions. All visitors will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the hospital.

Effective immediately, acute care patients at LVMC may have one person visit them in the acute care wing. Patients may designate one individual only to visit for the entire length of their hospital stay and that person will wear an LVMC Designated Visitor wristband.

The visitor must stay in the patient room at all times, other than entering and leaving the hospital. No overnight visitations are allowed.

Pediatric and obstetric patients will be allowed to designate two visitors per patient for the length of the patient’s stay. However, only one visitor may be present at a time. For these cases, a visitor may be allowed to stay overnight with the patient.

COVID-positive patients may not have any visitors. Also, anyone who is COVID-positive, or a confirmed contact of a COVID-positive case, is prohibited from visiting.

Additionally, face coverings are required for all people in the hospital. Visitors must wear a procedural face mask at all times. Cloth masks are prohibited for use by visitors. Procedure masks will be provided to visitors following entrance screening.

Social distancing buffers of 6 feet or more must be followed in all areas.

No visitors will be allowed in other parts of the hospital, except in special circumstances.

Visitation remains prohibited at the Comprehensive Care Center through the end of June. Distance visits are available in a variety of modes. To discuss extenuating circumstances, contact administrator Lorraine Jones, 805-736-3466.

Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 virus, these restrictions and guidelines are subject to change without advance notice.