Sonora, CA…Effective today, Wednesday, August 11, 2021, visitor restrictions will tighten further at Adventist Health Sonora to protect hospital patients and staff. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has ordered that all visitors either present proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their visit or a vaccination series completed at least 14 days before their visit. These vaccination and testing requirements apply only to the acute care hospital building at 1000 Greenley Road and Sierra Care Center Units 6 and 7—they do not apply to outdoor visits, outpatient clinics, the Professional Center at 900 Greenley Road or the Health Pavillion at 900 Mono Way in Sonora. There are exceptions for visitors of end-of-life care patients. Additional details about these requirements are available online at Visiting Hours & Guidelines – Adventist Health Sonora.

“Safety is our highest priority,” said Michelle Fuentes, President of Adventist Health Sonora. “We know these new requirements from CDPH are stringent, but it is our duty to do everything we can to protect our patients, staff and community, especially with the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and spread of highly contagious variants.”

In addition to the new requirements from CDPH, existing safety measures for hospital visitors remain in place. No visitors are allowed for most patients at this time. One visitor at a time is allowed for pediatric patients, maternity care patients, end of life care, and for specific patient planning as scheduled by the healthcare team. All visitors must be 18 years or older, wear a mask at all times and be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

For hospitalized patients, the care team has iPads available so that families may stay connected with their loved ones by visiting virtually.

“We urge patients and their families to prepare now as these requirements go into effect,” said Fuentes. “Get vaccinated if you haven’t yet, and make a plan to get tested if you anticipate needing to visit a loved one in the hospital before you’re fully vaccinated.”

The COVID-19 vaccines are currently available at no cost to anyone age 12 and older for Pfizer and 18 and older for Johnson & Johnson or Moderna. Vaccines are available now at local pharmacies, and Adventist Health Sonora is hosting several vaccination clinics throughout the month of August. More information is available at www.AdventistHealthSonora.org/COVIDvaccine.

According to the Tuolumne County Public Health Department, the Optum Serve State testing site is now open at the Tuolumne Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Tuolumne on Friday through Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The site is located at 18375 Fir Ave. in Tuolumne. Individuals can schedule appointments at lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also available. There is no cost to the individual and anyone can get tested.

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