Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is caused by a virus that spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much like a cold or flu. This page contains frequently asked questions about COVID-19 topics, including our visitor guidelines.
 

Are visitors allowed in your hospitals?

For the protection of patients and families, as well as our employees and physicians, only two visitors per day per patient are allowed in private rooms and one visitor per day for semi-private rooms are allowed at our hospitals.

General visitation hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with some unit-specific hours. There are tighter restrictions and a few exceptions depending on patient circumstances. Adult visitors (16 years of age and older) are allowed based on the list outlined below, and must stay in the room for the duration of the visit.
 

• No visitors are permitted in the emergency areas except for patients with specific caregiver needs.
• Adult patients may have two visitors per day in private rooms and one visitor per day in semi-private rooms during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Specific information on visitation for obstetric patients can be found here.
• Patients who are under the age of 18 may have two visitors, parent or guardian.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life may have two visitors.
• Patients who are being discharged may have two visitors to receive discharge instructions and teaching.
• Patients with physical, intellectual, developmental disabilities or cognitive impairments or their family/patient representative may designate two support people to be present at a time.

 
Visitors will not be allowed in rooms of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients with the exception of pediatric patients, patients in critical care, obstetric patients or patients at end-of-life.
 
Unit leadership will decide any exceptions to the above on a case-by-case basis for emergent situations. These restrictions are subject to change.
 

Do visitors need to show
proof of vaccination status?

Effective Sept. 28, 2022: Community will no longer require visitors to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test. This change is in alignment with updated visitor guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
 
While we will no longer require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, the following visitor guidelines remain in effect:
 
Visitors must be:
 

• Age 16 and older
• Negative for COVID-19 symptoms before entering our facilities
• Not positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days
• Wearing required personal protective equipment such as face masks at all times

Is anyone at higher risk of getting a serious case of coronavirus?

Older people, those with severe chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, and those who are unvaccinated should take special precautions, like limiting exposure to crowds and wearing a mask.
 

How do I avoid getting sick?

• Wear a mask, even if you’ve been vaccinated.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like door knobs, cell phones and keyboards.
• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care.

What is social distancing?

According to the California Department of Public Health, social distancing is recommended to slow down the spread of contagious diseases like COVID-19. Social distancing means creating physical space between people. Avoiding things like mass gatherings and large groups of people can help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Social distancing can also mean closing buildings and canceling events. Doing these things has proven effective in prior pandemics at delaying rates of transmission and reducing illness and death.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends maintaining about 6 feet from others during this time. Not shaking hands and practicing proper hand hygiene are also really important steps to help stop the spread of the virus. Learn more ways to protect yourself and others against the spread of COVID-19.

What symptoms will I have if I’m infected?

Most seem to experience a mild to severe respiratory illness, not unlike a cold. Common signs and symptoms of coronavirus include fever and symptoms of a lower respiratory illness like coughing or shortness of breath. It is possible for it to turn into pneumonia.

What do I do if I have those symptoms?

If your symptoms are not severe, stay home rather than go to the doctor’s office and risk spreading the virus to other people. If you are showing any of the symptoms, do not go to work and don’t travel. Instead, call ahead to your doctor’s office before you make an appointment to report:

• Your symptoms
• Recent travels
• Possible exposures 

Are your hospitals ready to handle this?

We are prepared with procedures in place to treat patients with coronavirus symptoms and to help protect our other patients and staff from the spread of the virus. We are also closely monitoring our supplies and coordinating with local, state and national public health agencies and healthcare providers to help ensure we’re doing everything possible to meet the needs of our patients and our community.
 

How can I donate?

If you or someone you know would like to donate items to help, please email CMCDonations@communitymedical.org or call the donation number at (559) 459-4040. If you’d like to make a monetary gift, call (559) 724-4343 or visit www.communitymedical.org/give. 
 

Questions about pregnancy and coronavirus?

Visit the CDC's information page about pregnancy and coronavirus.