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Most Sentara hospitals, including Suffolk’s Sentara Obici Hospital, once again welcomed visitors starting Thursday.

“We are excited to have visitors back in our facility to support our patients,” said Vice President of Operations Jessica Lowder.

Visiting hours at Obici end at 9 p.m. Patients who have tested positive or have a pending test for COVID-19 still may not have visitors.

All other patients may have one visitor, except for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and end-of-life patients, who may have two visitors.

All visitors will be screened and have their temperatures taken by a no-touch device before entering the building. Visitors will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the building. Those who do not have one will be provided one made by a community member.

“Sentara is taking all necessary precautions to keep our hospitals safe and clean,” a Sentara press release stated. “You can expect all areas of our hospitals to be carefully cleaned and disinfected on an ongoing basis. All employees are also masked for your protection.”

The new visitation policy applies to all levels of care and the Emergency Department.

Other considerations include:

• The one or two approved visitors will be the only individuals allowed in the building. Others cannot wait in the lobby, cafeteria or other areas of the building.
• Overnight stays will not be allowed except in extreme situations, such as patients at the end of life, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Visitors are required to stay in the patient room for the duration of their visit.