What to Expect at Seattle Children’s During COVID-19

• For patients coming for a clinic visit: Up to 4 people may come to the appointment with the patient. We do not allow more than 4 people without an exception. Siblings who are younger than 1 year old can come and are not included in the total number of people allowed at the visit.    
• For patients staying at the hospital overnight: Up to 4 people are allowed in the room with the patient at a time during visiting hours. Two adult caregivers (ages 18 or older) may stay overnight. Siblings who are younger than 1 year old can visit and stay overnight with their caregiver. Visiting hours and visitation policies may vary based on the clinical area. Please ask your child’s care team for the current visitation policy in that area.
• For patients staying in the Special Isolation Unit: Up to 4 adult caregivers may be designated as visitors but only 2 adult caregivers are allowed in a room at a time and 2 adult caregivers can stay overnight. Siblings are not allowed in the Special Isolation Unit unless they are 18 years or older. This includes siblings younger than 1 year old.
• For patients coming to the Surgery Center at Seattle Children's hospital campus and Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center: Up to 4 people may come with the patient for the surgical procedure, but only 2 parents or adult caregivers can come into the procedure area. Siblings who are younger than 1 year old can come and are not included in the total number of people allowed at the visit.

Upon arrival, patients and families are asked screening questions for signs of illness. Please contact your child’s provider if your child develops a new illness like fever, cough or runny nose before your scheduled visit.

Masks are optional for patients, families, visitors and workforce members in most areas. Masks should be worn if you have respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose or fever, or if requested by the care team.

Masks are currently required in Seattle Children’s Emergency Department waiting areas due to the high number of patients who are currently sick. This is to help limit the spread of infection.

We will have masks available as you enter if you do not have your own mask.

A member of our team will contact patients and conduct a phone screening to determine if pre-procedure testing is required before a procedure or admission. If testing is required, we will coordinate and inform you of next steps.

Staff follow our standard work restriction policy as it applies to them if they are ill. This means they should not come to work if they have certain respiratory symptoms.