COVID-19:

How We're Keeping You Safe | What Patients & Families Need to Know

Visiting Cincinnati Children's

Updated Visiting Guidelines — Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Effective Monday, March 16 patients who are inpatient at Burnet Campus or Liberty Campus will be limited to two people visiting—including parents. No siblings or visitors under 18, except for parent/guardians, will be allowed while these guidelines are in place.

Exceptions will be made for patients in end-of-life care on an individual basis.

Outpatients will be restricted to two people accompanying patients on campus.

Reminder: All visitors must be healthy – free from fever, cough or colds, or stomach virus symptoms and living with persons who are also healthy.

> FAQ's: Visiting Cincinnati Children's During the Coronavirus Outbreak

> Learn more - Coronavirus Information

Visiting Guidelines

Outpatient Visits

(Emergency, Urgent Care, Clinic, Day Surgery, Testing Visits)

  • Visitors who accompany a patient into the exam room may be limited by the size of the room or clinical care needs. Additional visitors may stay in the waiting room.
  • Only children seeking evaluation or treatment should be brought to outpatient appointments during peak times of illness in the community (for example, flu/respiratory illness from December to March).

Inpatient Visits

We respect the right of parents/guardians and adult patients to identify who may visit.

  • Up to 4 primary support persons (for example, parents, guardians, spouse) may receive 24-hour access. Up to two may stay overnight.
  • Siblings of patients (biological, foster or step) or children of adult patients living in the home; visitation may be limited if patient is in isolation.
  • Up to 6 individuals (for example, extended family members, friends) may be identified to visit during visiting hours.
  • Additional family and friends can share their support virtually in a number of ways, including phone calls, text messages, social media, and Skype/Facetime calls. If the patient is able to leave the unit (only with approval by their medical team), they can meet additional visitors in the concourse or Family Resource Center.

If your family situation changes or you are having challenges receiving and providing support for your child, request Social Work assistance. When there are domestic/custody issues, social workers may work with families to ensure equitable visitation.

Sleeping arrangements for those with 24-hour access vary from unit to unit. Rooms have a fold-out bed for at least one person. Please note: No one may sleep on the floor, as this poses a safety risk to you, your loved one and our staff. For help making sleeping arrangements outside of the hospital, please contact Concierge Services at 513-636-5009 or toll-free at 888-894-1374 for information about lodging at discounted rates.

> Read more about Your Rights and Responsibilities

Visiting hours are 8:30 am–8:30 pm.

Visitors must:

  • Check in at a Welcome Desk upon arrival for a photo name badge. Visitors age 16 or older will be asked to show a photo ID.
  • Be healthy—free from fever, cough or colds, or stomach virus symptoms and living with persons who are also healthy. Visitors can unintentionally spread germs if someone in their household is ill.
  • Wash their hands often, especially before and after visiting a patient. During peak times of illness in the community, young children (under age 14) are requested not to visit the intensive care units.

During peak times of illness in the community:
(i.e. flu/respiratory illness from December to March)

  • Only children seeking evaluation or treatment should be brought to appointments.
  • Young children (under age 14) are requested not to visit the intensive care units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Under our policy patients have a much lower rate of hospital acquired respiratory infections. Patients with unlimited visitors are at 3.5 times higher risk of having a hospital acquired respiratory illness than patients with limited visitors.
  • Up to 4 primary support people can be identified. Primary support people will have 24/7 access but only 2 will be able to stay the night at one time. On some units there are accommodations for only one.
  • Up to 6 visitors can be identified by the primary support people and will be on the Friends and Family list. These visitors include siblings, family and friends. These are the only 6 people who can visit the patient during his/her admission.
  • If patients are here longer than 30 days, the names on the visitor list can be changed.
  • Social workers will be the members of the care team to work with families who may have extreme and extenuating circumstances that may permit an exception.
  • Social workers will consult with families, care teams, Infection Control and Family Relations to obtain the information they need to make consistent decisions regarding exceptions.
  • Patients/families coping with end-of-life situations will be addressed independently by Pastoral Care, with additional input from social work, the care team and Family Relations.

Family and friends not on the list can share their support virtually:

  • Video calls using FaceTime, Skype, etc.
  • Sending a free e-greeting card or old-fashion mail
  • Following social media
  • Calling the Gift Shop or Concierge Services to order and deliver a surprise
  • Phone orders may be placed using Visa, MasterCard or Discover
    Gift Shop: 513-636-4310
    Concierge Services: 513-636-5009

In addition, family and friends not listed are encouraged to meet caregivers in the Family Resource Center (FRC) or cafeteria. 

Exceptions can be made for community clergy. Families should contact our on-call chaplain who can process and approve the community clergy to visit. Approved community clergy do not take a spot on the patients’ Family and Friends list.

We're Committed to Keeping You Safe

Every person at Cincinnati Children’s is now required to wear a mask while at the medical center.

Cincinnati Children’s is taking every precaution to make sure it is safe to visit us for appointments, procedures and testing during the coronavirus pandemic.

See Our Safety Precautions

Do You Have Your ID?

Visiting Policies.

Cincinnati Children’s now asks for identification when obtaining the access card and/or visiting ID sticker needed to go beyond the first level of the Location A or B buildings.

Safer from Germs, Supported by Family and Friends

Cincinnati Children’s year-round visitor policy balances the need for support from family and friends and limits exposure to germs, so you or your loved one can be well again.

We welcome visits by the individuals you designate as family and friends and do not restrict or deny visitation based on race, color, nationality, origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or disability.

Questions about the visitor guidelines? Please ask your social worker.