visitor restrictions for COVID-19

Updated on April 10, 2023
Learn more about Dayton Children's response to COVID-19 at childrensdayton.org/coronavirus

Masks are now optional in public spaces. 

• You are welcome to continue wearing a mask, if you prefer.
• If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness or are recovering from COVID-19, we ask that you continue to wear a mask in public spaces.
• As always, masks are required in isolation rooms, operating rooms and procedural areas.

Visitor restrictions are in place to limit the number of people in the hospital, keeping our patients, families and staff safe, and preventing the spread of COVID-19. After passing the screening process, family support members can eat in the common areas during visiting hours. 

Outpatient (including clinic visits, testing services, surgery and urgent/emergency care):

• Two parents or caregivers can accompany the patient.
• We recommend that you leave siblings at home for the safest and most productive visit, however we understand that is not always possible, so we will not restrict siblings from attending the visit.
• Some clinics continue to limit to one visitor, like sleep lab. If you have received instructions that only one visitor is allowed, please follow those instructions

Inpatient stays:

• Up to ten people can be identified for visitation during the duration of the patient’s stay. Only four visitors may be in a patient's room at one time. Certain units such as the intensive care unit or the behavioral health unit may have differing policies based on the care they provide. 
• All parents/legal guardians or support person/visitors must be healthy - free from fever, cough or cold symptoms, stomach virus symptoms, no loss of smell or taste, and living with people who are also healthy.
• We strongly encourage our visitors to follow the Ohio Department of Health recommendation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce spread of the virus.
• Adult caregivers will be screened for wellness every day. They should also do hand hygiene (use hand sanitizer or wash their hands) at the wellness screening and before coming in and out of their child’s room. Caregivers will also be asked to primarily stay in their child’s room.
• Parents/legal guardians or support persons for NICU patients are not permitted on unit if COVID-19 positive.

• Negative COVID Patient:

  • ​No COVID-19 positive persons or symptomatic individuals awaiting test results will be permitted to visit COVID -19 negative patients. Exceptions will be made based on clinical situation.

• Positive COVID Patient:

  • If patient is positive for COVID-19 only parent/legal guardians will be permitted to visit. Exceptions will be made based on clinical situation.

  • Parents/legal guardians or support person visiting a positive COVID patient will be restricted to room for duration of visitation.

*Children with a disability that interferes with wearing a mask are exempt. Parents, caregivers or visitors who refuse a mask due to health issues will be asked to wear a face shield. If parent/caregiver/visitor refuses a face shield, they will be escorted to the destination by a volunteer or Dayton Children’s staff member.

when you arrive at the hospital

We have limited entrances at the main and south campuses, so follow the signs to the open entrance. All patients and visitors will be screened for wellness and asked about their recent symptoms and exposure to COVID-19. 

All visitors (adults and children over 2 years old) are required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you a disposable mask. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding!