New UW Medical Center visitor policy starts Dec. 6

Effective Monday, Dec. 6, UW Medical Center is requiring all inpatient visitors over age 12 and individuals over age 18 who are accompanying an adult outpatient to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous three days.

This policy will apply at UW Medical Center's Montlake and Northwest campuses. 

“We think this is a really important way to protect vulnerable patients and our healthcare workers,” said Seth Cohen, the hospital's medical director of infection prevention.

The omicron variant did not factor into the new policy, he said. “This visitation process started well before omicron and has already been rolled out (Oct. 19) at Harborview Medical Center. The reception has been quite positive for staff and for patients."

All visitors over age 2 will continue to need to wear a medical-grade mask to enter any UW Medicine hospital. Masks that meet this requirement will be provided freely to visitors entering hospitals and clinics.

Read the full visitor policy, including accepted forms of vaccination proof and exemptions.