SEAFORD — TidalHealth has increased visitation opportunities at both TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, Maryland, and TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford.

Two designated visitors, over age 18, per patient will be allowed during a patient’s stay, except for patients suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19. While these two designated people, appointed by the patient, will be the only two permitted to visit, they may do so at the same time.

Visitation hours will be extended to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Visitation on weekends and holidays will remain 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Although Maryland and Delaware have lifted mask restrictions, visitors at all TidalHealth locations, including hospitals, are required to wear a face covering or mask that covers both nose and mouth. People who are unable to wear a face covering should not visit. Gaiters and bandannas will not be permitted. A mask will be provided for those visitors arriving with either of those two unapproved face coverings.

Visitors must show identification and will be verified as the patient’s appointed visitor. Upon entry, visitors will be screened for fever and other COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who is feeling ill or feverish should not visit and will not be allowed to go to a patient floor if they are found to have a fever or symptoms.

“We have worked very hard throughout the COVID-19 crisis to protect the health of our patients and staff. Our personal protective equipment, social distancing and deep cleaning efforts have helped. We know it has been very difficult for many of our patients to go through medical procedures and recovery without the limited support of a loved one,” Dr. Sarah Arnett, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at TidalHealth, said in a prepared statement. “While our bedside care team has gone above and beyond to provide extra support, we are happy to be able to expand visitation. Patients’ loved ones not only provide emotional support, but also can learn from our care team more about a patient’s condition and what they will need when they are discharged.”

At TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, visitors should enter via the Hanna Main Entrance (adjacent to the Emergency Department), near the visitor parking garage off Vine Street.

At TidalHealth Nanticoke, visitors should use the main entrance or a designated entrance.

Two support persons are allowed to accompany a patient in the Emergency Departments. If that patient is later admitted to a medical floor, the support people must be the designated visitors to continue staying with the patient.

Visitation at Alice B. Tawes Nursing and Rehabilitation and Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living, both in Crisfield, Maryland, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two people may visit. The same screening and masking policies apply for visitors there.