On Aug. 25, New Hanover Re­gional Medical Center eased some of its visitor restrictions that have been in place since March when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted extra precautions.
 
NHRMC is now allowing hospi­talized patients to have one person over the age of 18 to visit the patient between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The des­ignated person is the only permitted visitor during the patient’s stay, said officials, adding that anyone who is over the age of 65, pregnant or immunocompromised is discouraged from visiting.
 
Visitors are screened at designated entrances, and anyone with symp­toms associated with COVID-19 cannot enter. Visitors are required to wear a mask, wash their hands often and practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others.
 
Specific areas, such as Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hos­pital and emergency departments, have their own visiting procedures and protocols. Pender Memorial Hospital continues to not allow visitation right now, except in special circumstances, officials said.