Bassett Healthcare Network Pausing Inpatient Visitation Effective January 19

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Healthcare Network is temporarily suspending visitation to inpatient units across all of its hospitals: A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta; Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown; Cobleskill Regional Hospital; Little Falls Hospital; and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi. The visitation pause will take effect on Wednesday, January 19.

As community virus spread around Central New York remains high with the extremely contagious Omicron variant, Bassett Healthcare Network will take these measures to protect the safety and health of its patients and staff. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, including for end-of-life patients or those who are cognitively impaired.

After January, community virus trends will be reassessed, and officials will determine whether it is safe to restore visitation. Until then, Bassett Healthcare Network extends its appreciation to all patients, families, and community members for their patience and understanding as the organization works to keep safeguards in place. In addition to inpatient areas, Bassett’s emergency departments continue to suspend visitation.

In areas where visitation is still occurring – like long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics – special testing processes or other restrictions are currently in place. Visit www.bassett.org for the latest guidelines.

Community COVID-19 Testing
For patients and community members experiencing minor symptoms – like a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, chills, body aches, or low-grade fever – the following COVID-19 testing options are the best course of action:

• Take a home antigen test, available at all major retail pharmacies
• Visit your trusted primary care practitioner
• Find a state testing site near you by visiting https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

Patients are urged not to use emergency departments for routine COVID-19 testing; please reserve emergency department resources for people experiencing emergent and critical care needs.

Get a COVID-19 Vaccine as Soon as Possible and Mask Up
The most important thing we can do right now to help control the spread of COVID-19 – including the Omicron variant – is to get vaccinated as soon as possible, including obtaining a booster shot. COVID-19 vaccines are free and available in all of Bassett Healthcare Network’s clinics, school-based health centers, and at regularly scheduled community vaccine clinics. Visit www.bassett.org for the latest list of clinic events.

Additionally, always wearing a properly fitting mask in public, washing your hands frequently, and staying home when you experience symptoms are all effective and responsible practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.