Sonora, Calif .– Come Monday (December 6) Adventist Health Sonora (AHS) will lift its current restrictions on visitors.

With the rate of COVID infections falling in Tuolumne County, the hospital is relaxing its restrictions on visitors “to support the emotional health and healing of patients.”

“The presence of our loved ones is so important to healing,” said Michelle Fuentes, President of Adventist Health Sonora. “We are happy to be able to safely extend visits to provide the best possible experience for our patients. “

This change means that most patients will be entitled to only one visitor during their hospital stay. Two visitors are allowed in the birth and pediatric center as well as for patients in comfort care and those with special circumstances. As for COVID-19 patients, hospital officials say they are not allowed to visit unless approved by department heads.

Coronavirus protocols will remain in place and visitors will be required to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms or illness, wear a mask at all times, and provide proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of the visit. AHS added that the Optum Serve State free test site is open at the Mother Lode Exhibition Center seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Individuals can make an appointment by clicking on here or by calling 888-634-1123.

The current no-visit restriction was put in place in August when the number of COVIDs increased in the summer, as shown here. It was the second time in a year and a half that the hospital had closed its doors to visitors. Click on here to view the Hospital Visitors Policy.