Butler Health System has relaxed its visitation policy, but not to its pre-pandemic state.

“As southwestern Pennsylvania recently turned green, the regional hospitals loosened their hospital visitation policies with the overarching goal of keeping our patients, staff and community safe (reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission) and continuing to provide high-quality medical care,” said BHS Dr. Kathy Selvaggi.

BHS is allowing one designated visitor per patient in most cases. The visitor maintains the privilege throughout the patient's hospital stay.

“Visitors must still be screened, use hand sanitizer and wear a mask,” Selvaggi said. “Social distancing will be required by patients and visitors.”

Some specialized care areas may have modified visitor guidelines, but for most visitors, hours will be limited from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a recommended rest period from 2 to 4 p.m. with some exceptions.

BHS is stressing social distancing, especially in areas such as the emergency department waiting rooms and outpatient clinics.

Visitors will not be permitted for any patient in isolation for a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.

Further information for department-specific visitation guidelines is available on the BHS coronavirus webpage, under the tab that reads “Butler Health System Visitation Policy.”

According to the state Department of Health's report Thursday, Butler County's COVID-19 number of confirmed cases rose by five on Thursday after some fluctuation over the past few days. Butler County has 228 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 27 probable cases of the virus.

The county's death toll remains at 12.