CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday, visitors will not be allowed at the University of Virginia Medical Center's inpatient units and the transitional care hospital.

Starting on Monday, visitors also will be restricted from the emergency department, outpatient clinics and outpatient procedural areas.

Limited exceptions will be granted if the guest meets certain criteria, such as not being positive for COVID-19 and not having any symptoms of the virus or other contagious illnesses.

Pediatric patients and patients with disabilities are allowed to have an adult designated visitor with them 24/7 throughout their admission, treatment, procedure, and other hospital activities.

Patients that are at the end of life may have two adult designated visitors with them 24/7.

UVA Medical's Patient experience officer Bush Bell says this decision was not an easy one.

“Anytime we make changes to our visitor policy, especially when we make them more restrictive, we know how difficult that is for our patients and their family members because we all want visitors and family members to accompany patients when they come in for healthcare,” he said.

He also encourages people to get their vaccines and booster shots.

All visitors who are allowed must be screened before they enter the hospital, wear a mask, and remain with the patient at all times.

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