Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Mayo Clinic has slightly eased what had been a nearly complete ban on hospital visitors.

A statement issued by the Mayo Clinic on Friday indicates patients will now be allowed one, consistent visitor in its Rochester hospitals during visiting hours. Visitors will not be allowed if the patient has a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. All visitors will also be screened and required to wear a face mask or her face covering.

The Mayo Clinic says outpatient and clinic patients are now allowed to have one person accompany them to their appointments. Those patients and their companions are advised to arrive about 15 minutes early to allow for a screening process.

On March 20th, the Mayo Clinic implemented a nearly total ban hospital visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic. That policy and the less restrictive policy announced Friday, allow for exceptions in cases involving childbirth, end-of-life care, hospitalized children, and other rare or unique circumstances.

In all cases, visitors must wear face masks or coverings and observe social distancing guidelines.

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