Effective 08/06/2021, updated 08/11/2021
With the COVID-19 pandemic still in effect and the Delta variant making its way throughout the Bay Area, CPMC Van Ness Campus is continuing to make changes to its protocols to keep you and your family safe during your delivery and postpartum stay. These new protocols go into effect Friday, August 6, 2021.
All patients are continuing to enter CPMC at the Emergency Department entrance. Each patient is permitted to bring one partner with them to stay during the delivery and postpartum period. Upon entering the hospital, both you and your partner will be screened for possible COVID-19 symptoms and expectant mothers will have a rapid COVID-19 test performed when they are admitted. Patients with scheduled Cesareans or inductions will have their COVID-19 test scheduled within 72 hours of their planned admission day.
In accordance with the California Department of Public Health’s public health officer order, effective August 11, 2021 our local hospitals have updated their visitation restrictions. Please note that any persons accompanying you to the hospital will only be permitted if:
- Visitors are fully vaccinated
- If unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, verified document of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival.
For full details of CPMC Visitation Guidelines, or refer to their website.
For updated information about UCSF’s Visitation Guidelines, please refer to their website .
Once you and your partner are admitted, you should be prepared to stay inside the hospital until discharged. Gaining readmittance for partners into the hospital may be difficult or impossible, so please pack accordingly for a minimum of two nights’ stay, four if you are planning a Cesarean Section. Food and drinks are permitted, and we encourage you to include those items when packing your bags. Ordering food via delivery is not an option due to the extra security measures in place. Prepackaged food will be available for purchase for your partner, as well as specific time frames to access the cafeteria. Patients will be able to order from the hospital cafeteria as usual. Please do not forget to bring your car seat, and we also encourage you to bring a breastfeeding pillow, if you have one.
Masks will need to be worn in common areas or while in the presence of hospital staff. You do not need to wear a mask when you and your support partner are alone in your private room. If you have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to receive your first dose postpartum prior to your hospital discharge.
It is our belief that your birth experience should be positive and memorable, and we remain committed to the health, well-being, and safety of you and your growing family. Please direct any specific questions about this information to your provider when you are present for your next prenatal visit; we are ever present as a support and resource for you.
Thank you for trusting us with your care
