COVID-19 Visitor Policy

UW Medicine’s patient care philosophy recognizes the importance of engaging families in the healing process. However, at times, visitation may be limited for the safety of patients, staff and our community. Please check below for current policies at each hospital.

Hospitals

Most patients are allowed up to two designated visitors per day, subject to each hospital's guidelines and visitation hours. Visitors are encouraged to limit how long they visit. To safely allow for visitors, we are increasing the level of masks given to visitors and expect visitors to properly wear the masks provided by UW Medicine throughout their visit.

Visiting hours are:

  • Harborview Medical Center: Each patient may have one to two visitors at a time from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • UW Medical Center: Each patient may have up to two visitors present at one time during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. After 9 p.m., one visitor at a time may be present. 
  • Valley Medical Center 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Read Valley Medical Center's visitor policy.)

Visitor requirements at UW Medicine hospital campuses

As of July 19th, UW Medicine has changed our visitor policy to no longer require vaccine verification or proof of a negative test prior to entering our facilities. Visitors are still required to have no new COVID-like symptoms or high-risk exposures (within the last 10 days), and they must continue to follow masking policies in areas where masks are required as indicated by signage.

Additional restrictions in effect for all visitors

The following additional visitor restrictions remain in effect for all visitors:

  • Visitors cannot have pending COVID-19 tests that were taken due to symptoms or exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Visitors cannot have tested positive and still be within their isolation period or have been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days.

Your cooperation in observing these restrictions is appreciated and will help us provide the safe environment that is necessary to continue to welcome visitors to our hospitals and clinics.

Clinics

At UW Medicine outpatient clinics, we encourage our patients to come alone to their appointments. When necessary, the following exceptions are allowed:

  • Patients may have one adult accompany them.. 
  • Postpartum patients may bring their newborns.
  • Patients may bring their children if they have no alternative.