Hospital Visitation Codes

New Jersey’s hospitals recognize the important role that visits have on patients’ well-being, and continue to prioritize the safety of all patients, patient visitors and support persons, and staff. NJHA and its members have partnered to create this visitation code system to protect everyone inside the hospitals. This guidance balances that influence with the need to reduce the risk of patients and staff being exposed or infected with the coronavirus. Please check hospitals’ websites for any additional precautions in place.

Updated on Jan. 13, 2021

Current Visitation Level

Northeast
(Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Union)

Red Code: No visitors with limited exceptions.

Northwest
(Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, Sussex and Warren)

Red Code: No visitors with limited exceptions.

Southeast
(Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean)

Red Code: No visitors with limited exceptions.

Southwest
(Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)

Red Code: No visitors with limited exceptions.

Code Descriptions

View Full Restrictions

Green Code: Hospital visitors are permitted with some limits.
  • No visitors are allowed for COVID-19 patients, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
  • No visitors are allowed for those who are immunocompromised, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
  • Other types of patients may have two visitors at a time. They must follow requirements on masking, symptom screening and other precautions.
Yellow Code: Hospital Visits Are Limited
  • No visitors are allowed for COVID-19 patients, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
  • No visitors are allowed for those who are immunocompromised, except for circumstances approved by the care team.
  • Other types of patients may have one visitor at a time. They must follow requirements on masking, symptom screening and other precautions.
Red Code: No visitors with limited exceptions.
  • Exceptions may apply to pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life, and patients with intellectual, developmental or cognitive impairment including dementia, communication barriers or behavioral concerns.
  • All exceptions must be approved by the care team.
We require the following safety precautions for all visitors:
  • All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, except for exceptions approved by the care team.
  • All visitors will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Bandanas, gaiters or masks with exhalation valves are not permitted because they don’t provide sufficient protection.
  • All visitors must undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entering the hospital.
  • All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient.
  • Once in the hospital, visitors must remain in the patient’s room (or emergency department bay) throughout the visit, except when directed otherwise by hospital staff.
  • All visitors must comply with hospital requirements to minimize the potential spread of infection.