Hackensack Meridian Health Requires Vax Proof, Negative Test
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Visitors coming into Bayshore Medical Center or other Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals will have to show proof of vaccination of a recent negative COVID-19 test, according to new guidelines.
The rule applies to those coming into the hospital to visit a patient and allows for a few exceptions, including pediatric parents or guardians, labor and delivery partners, end of life and patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities.
The healthcare group announced the decision on social media, citing the recent rise in COVID-19 numbers as the reason behind the move.
"Because of escalating COVID-19 numbers and the presence of the Omicron variant, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result will be required to visit patients in our hospitals beginning December 28," the announcement read.
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Hackensack Meridian Health's hospitals will accept antigen or PCR tests taken within 72 hours. Home tests will not be accepted as they cannot be validated.
Acceptable forms of vaccination proof include vaccination Card (hard copy), MyChart Digital Vaccine Card, CLEAR digital vaccine card, Docket App, NY State Excelsior Pass and the NYC Covid Safe App.
More information about the new guideline is available here.
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This article originally appeared on the Howell Patch
