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Visitors Restrictions

Visitor Restrictions

In alignment with CDC and Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) guidelines, we are no longer screening employees, visitors or vendors at our hospitals and clinics. While we are not actively screening, please do not enter our facility if you have COVID-19. Masking in all of our facilities is still required per the state public health order. Please read our current visitor restrictions below before visiting any of our locations.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health/Franciscan Medical Group Hospital Visitor Restrictions

  • Updated: Nov. 14, 2022

    Before you visit: All visitors must comply with mask requirements when entering the building. Visitors must wear approved masks for the entirety of their stay.

    There is no in-person visitation permitted for COVID-19 positive and suspected patients.

    At this time, hospital visitors are allowed based on the following circumstances:

    • Hospital visitation limits are based on community transmission rates. Exceptions may occur at end of life. 
      • Visiting hours:
        • St. Anne Hospital (No visitor limit) – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
        • St. Anthony Hospital (No visitor limit) – 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
        • St. Clare Hospital (No visitor limit) – 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
        • St. Elizabeth Hospital (No visitor limit) – 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
        • St. Francis Hospital (No visitor limit)
        • St. Joseph Medical Center (No visitor limit except for Family Birth Center: 2 visitors per stay, and ICU: 2 visitors at a time) – 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
        • St. Michael Medical Center (No visitor limit except for Family Birth Center: 2 visitors per stay) – 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
        • Virginia Mason Medical Center (No visitor limit) – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

    Any approved visitors

    • Must go directly to a patient’s room — use of waiting rooms is not permitted. We encourage any approved visitors to coordinate their arrival and departure times.
    • Must use the approved, designated visitor entrance
    • Will be asked to complete hand hygiene upon entry
    • Must wear an approved mask the entire time while inside the building, including in a patient’s room
    • Masks must be tight-fitting and completely cover nose and mouth
    • Visitors can wear their clean, well-fitted surgical mask, an N95 respirator, or KN-95 mask within VMFH facilities
    • Cloth masks are not permitted at this time. Visitors with cloth masks will be asked to change into a hospital-provided mask.
    • Are encouraged to maintain physical distancing (at least six feet apart from others)

    Learn more about face covering guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health.


Virginia Mason Franciscan Health/Franciscan Medical Group Clinic Visitor Restrictions

    • Visitors are discouraged unless assisting a patient. Please contact your provider or the clinic with questions about their policy.
    • All individuals must wear a clinic-provided mask the entire time while inside the building.
    • Please contact the clinic before arriving for your appointment if you need of a COVID-19 test, or if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms and exposure guidance include:
      • Fever
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath
      • New loss of taste or smell
      • Close, in-person contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus within the past 14 days
    • If symptoms are severe, call 911 or go directly to one of our Prompt or Urgent Care locations or Emergency Services departments.

Virginia Mason Medical Center Hospital and Clinic Visit Information

  • Effective Oct. 10, 2022

    Hospital visitation

    Visitor numbers are unrestricted - though we do require social distance and masking at all times. Visiting hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.).

    • Visitors can remove masks to eat or drink in the cafeteria only. 
    • Covid-positive patients are not permitted visitors, except in end of life care situations, per existing guidelines. 
    • Entrances will continue to be restricted as we are closed to the general public.   

    Clinic visit information

    Changes to outpatient guidelines: Companion numbers are unrestricted - though we do require social distance and masking at all times.