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Officials announced today because of the increased number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County, Ala., Atmore Community Hospital is changing its current visitor policy to ensure the safety of its patients, staff and community, according to the hospital’s Facebook page.

“This decision comes after consultations with local physicians and infection control professsionals,” the post read.

According to the Escambia County Healthcare Authority’s latest COVID-19 update, 857 cases have been reported out of ACH. There have been 3,831 specimens collected, 2,910 have been negative with 16 pending and 48 inconclusive.

ACH officials said as of tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 9, 2021, at 7 a.m., the following restrictions on visitation will take place:

• Visiting hours for med/surg and ICU will be from 11 a.m. until noon, and 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. There will only be one visitor allowed at a time. ICU visitation will be at the discretion of the nursing staff and may be further restricted.

• There will be no outpatient visitors allowed. This includes surgery, radiology, specialty clinics, therapy and the emergency department.

• Essential caregiver (to include parents/guardians of pediatric patients) and end of life exceptions will be made.