In response to rising COVID-19 rates driven by the Delta variant, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has ordered that general acute care hospitals (such as UC Davis Medical Center) must require visitors to show either proof of vaccination or, for unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals, documentation of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours.
The new requirement, in accordance with a California Department of Public Health order, goes into effect on Aug. 11.
The requirement for indoor visitation, which goes into effect on Wednesday, Aug. 11, also applies to skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities.
UC Davis Health is committed to the safety and comfort of patients, family members and friends, and the broader community (see details on visitor policy for UC Davis Medical Center/UC Davis Children's Hospital).
Per CDPH Guidance for Vaccine Records Guidelines & Standards, visitors to UC Davis Medical Center must be prepared to present the following as proof of vaccination:
1. COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered); OR
2. a photo of a Vaccination Record Card as a separate document; OR
3. a photo of a Vaccination Record Card stored on a phone or electronic device, OR
4. documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider; OR
5. digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type.
Visitors who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must show documentation of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test, with the specimen collected within 72 hours before the visit. Those individuals may use either PCR or antigen testing.
CDPH allows for only one exemption to the order: visitors to a patient in critical condition, when death may be imminent.
Details are forthcoming on how the required changes will be enacted in the Emergency Department.
UC Davis Health plans to roll-out the requirement across more units and departments throughout the month.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 16, this requirement will be expanded to include visitors (including parents and caregivers) who accompany patients for scheduled hospital procedures, such as imaging and surgeries.
Before Monday, Aug. 30, the requirement will be extended to visitors at UC Davis medical offices and clinics, including the UC Davis Cancer Center and MIND Institute.
