Ritzville hospital suspends visitation

RITZVILLE – Citing increased coronavirus cases, East Adams Rural Healthcare is prohibiting patients from having visitors at its 903 S. Adams St. hospital and clinics.

The hospital announced its new coronavirus-related restrictions Jan. 13.

“Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in and around our community, we will be stopping all visitors to our acute and swing patients at this time,” officials posted to hospital social media. “One caregiver may still accompany patients who need assistance for clinic visits, as well as one support person for ED patients.

“No other visitors will be permitted at this time.”

Patients and caregivers are required to wear a mask at all times inside East Adams Rural Healthcare facilities, officials said.

The prohibition on visitors comes as Gov. Jay Inslee halts all non-emergent surgeries and medical procedures at hospitals in Washington state.

Inslee’s new order banning surgeries went into effect Monday, Jan. 17.

It’s the third time the governor has ordered a halt to all non-emergency surgeries since declaring a statewide emergency Feb. 29, 2020.

Under the order, hospitals and physicians can make exceptions if delay of a surgery longer than 90 days would cause advancement of a disease, or if delay of any surgery would lead to loss of function or death.

To help some areas of the state, Inslee has ordered deployment of 100 non-clinical personnel to assist hospitals in Everett, Yakima, Wenatchee and Spokane.

Additional guardsmen are expected to be deployed in Tacoma, Olympia, Richland and Seattle.