COVID-19 Facts and Resources

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 outbreak in our communities, Mount Sinai South Nassau has been on the forefront of treating the disease, and working with the Mount Sinai Health System to research it. We have helped large numbers of people recover from the virus, and we have learned a lot along the way—about how the virus behaves and how to treat it. We are committed to bringing you this information as it comes to light.

In addition, you will learn how to get care at Mount Sinai South Nassau, protecting yourself from COVID-19, our visitor policy, and much more. You will find that our information is constantly updated in response to the changing situation.

Mount Sinai South Nassau has been well prepared to come to the aid of those we serve in our communities. Our infectious disease specialists are trained and equipped to care for patients with complex diseases such as COVID-19, and have procedures in place to help you get the care you need.

Patient Information

If your symptoms include fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or if you have had close contact with a confirmed or potential person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you should call ahead and then go to your personal physician or browse our directory of local physicians and specialists. Calling ahead will let us prepare a special area where we can evaluate you while protecting both you and our other patients. Please do not go to the emergency room unless you are seriously ill.

Hospital Visitation at Mount Sinai South Nassau

At Mount Sinai South Nassau, we are committed to providing a safe environment everyone who walks through our doors—including patients, their loved ones, and our exceptional staff. We are working diligently to ensure the health and safety of every patient who depends on us for care. And as part of that effort, we are following New York State guidelines for visitors. Please check this page before each visit, as our policies can change frequently.

Effective Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Medical/Surgical and Critical Care Units: 9am-9pm, maximum of 2 healthy visitors at a time.
Emergency Department patients may have 1 healthy companion. Companions may be asked to leave the waiting or treatment areas during certain circumstances determined by the Management Team. Exceptions are made for pediatrics, and those with developmental, intellectual, or cognitive impairment, end of life care, or when deemed essential for medical treatment on an individual basis.
Behavioral Health Unit (D4): Monday-Friday 1-2pm and 7-8pm; Saturday/Sunday 1-3pm and 7-8pm with a maximum of 2 healthy visitors at a time.
Labor & Delivery & NICU Units: 2 healthy adult support persons are permitted throughout the patient’s stay.
Mother Baby & Pediatrics Units: 2 healthy designated support persons are permitted throughout the hospital stay. Healthy visitors are permitted, maximum of 2 people (support person, visitor) at a time between the hours of 9am-9pm. Visitation for healthy siblings is permitted when accompanied by an adult. Please visit here for visitor policy in Labor & Delivery and Mother Baby.
Procedural and Outpatient services: 1 healthy adult companion is permitted to accompany the patient prior to surgery or invasive procedure, during registration only.
Infusion Center: 1 healthy adult companion is permitted to accompany the patient during the duration of their treatment.
Transitional Care Unit (Rehab): Visitation hours are 9am-9pm for 2 healthy adult visitors at a time. It is highly recommended to make an appointment for a smoother visitation process.
PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit): Visitation is limited to a maximum of 2 people, 1 at a time, for a total visit of 10 minutes during the hours of 10am-12noon and 4pm-6pm (example: one visitor for 10 minutes or 2 visitors, one at a time, for 5 minutes each in the PACU). The duration of the visit will be monitored by PACU staff.
ASU (Ambulatory Surgery Unit): Visitation hours are from 4-8pm in ASU. The duration of the visit will be monitored by ASU Staff. All visitors must be 18 years or older, and in good health (pass Covid Symptom screening). Visitation may be suspended at any time at the discretion of the Manager or Designee. There will be no visitation allowed on weekends and holidays. If the patient is under 18, the parent is still permitted to visit them as soon as they reach PACU.

Emergency Department Visitation

Emergency Department patients are permitted 1 healthy companion. As a courtesy to our patients, companions are asked to relinquish their seat in the waiting area when necessary. Companions may be asked to leave the waiting or treatment areas during certain circumstances determined by the Management Team. Exceptions are made for pediatrics, and those with developmental, intellectual, or cognitive impairment, end of life care, or when deemed essential for medical treatment on an individual basis.

All Emergency Department Patients

You must use the Emergency Department entrance at Washington Avenue (back of the hospital). There is no Emergency Department access through the main entrance of the hospital.

Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

Attest to the absence of COVID-19 symptoms in order to visit and be at least 12 years of age, unless an authorized exception is made.
Maintain a maximum of 2 visitors at a time.
Provide a valid government issued photo ID and the patient’s full name for visitor registration. Once check in is complete, your visitor badge must be visible to stay for the duration of your visit.
Some units may require visitors to wear masks. Masks will be provided to visitors upon entry to the unit.
Comply with any requests by hospital staff to step out of the room.
Perform proper hand hygiene upon entering and leaving patient rooms.
When visiting patients on Isolation Precautions, the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times and visitors must remain in the patient’s room.

Failure to comply with the above policies may result in loss of visiting privileges.

Thank you for partnering with us to promote an environment that is both respectful and conducive to patient healing.

The visitor policy may be adjusted to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors, please check the visitor policy for updates prior to your visit.

We will support connection to family and friends through virtual means such as phone, Face Time, Skype or Zoom meeting. By doing this, we aim to meet our patients and their families’ needs while ensuring a safe environment.

Public Events Cancellation

In order to best protect our patients, staff and community from the current public health crisis related to COVID-19, we have instituted a temporary policy cancelling all in-person lectures, events, classes, and meetings across the Mount Sinai Health System. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

How to Protect Yourself & Others from COVID-19

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Avoid close contact with sick people
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe
Monitor Your Health Daily

The CDC website remains your best source for up-to-date, detailed information about COVID-19. Mount Sinai Health System experts also offer important facts and scientific insights about the disease.