Due to the new CDC masking guidelines that were released on September 23, 2022, healthcare workers and patients are no longer required to wear masks when the community transmission rate is moderate or low. North Carolina Specialty Hospital is recognizing this update and are allowing masking to be optional for staff, patients, and visitors. Due to our community being in a moderate or low-level transmission rate, we can offer the no masking option. If during the following months our community moves into a high or substantial-level transmission rate, we will have to re-mandate mask wearing for everyone within the facility. Masking will remain on a continuum, and we will be monitoring the community transmission levels regularly and providing guidance and recommendations as the situation changes. When you enter the facility there is a stop light placed throughout the hospital to make everyone aware of our transmission rate. Please don’t hesitate to ask a staff member any questions that one may have.

Please remember and be mindful that if you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, itching of throat or anything that may resemble COVID you must wear a mask. Masks are still accessible for staff, patients, and visitors.

Visitation Guidelines for Outpatient/Inpatient Procedures

• Outpatient surgical patients are allowed one visitor to accompany them for a procedure/same-day surgery.
• Surgical patients staying overnight are allowed two adult visitors for their entire length of stay. (see below for overnight visitors)
• Children may visit when accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
• Pediatric surgical patients are allowed two parent/guardian visitors in Pre-op and PACU.
• We reserve the right to adjust our visitor policy based on seasonal and/or community viral illness spread.

Visitation Guidelines for Patients requiring Overnight stay.

• Adult inpatients may designate two support people aged 18 or older for the entire length of stay in the hospital.
• One of those may be designated to stay overnight if requested.

Visitors within these guidelines are allowed in the cafeteria and lobby.