St. Luke’s requires vaccination or negative test for most visitors

St. Luke’s Hospital is tightening rules for visitors in response to what the provider called "the incredibly high community spread of COVID-19."

Beginning Monday, March 17, the hospital will require most visitors to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their visit. The policy applies to visitors of inpatients, surgical/procedural care patients, and patients in the emergency department.

Previous rules which limit the number of visitors also remain in effect.

The new policy will not apply to visitors of end-of-life patients, one adult support person for patients in labor and delivery, parents of pediatric patients, and the support person for a patient with disabilities. The healthcare team has discretion to issue rare exceptions on an invitation-only basis.

Visitors who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter.

To view the full policy, visit slhduluth.com/visitors.