Your Visit

What to Expect at Seattle Children’s During COVID-19

Seattle Children’s is committed to keeping our patients, families and workforce members safe from exposure to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Here’s what you need to know about your visit to any of our locations:

  • Current visitation policy
    • For patients coming for a clinic visit: Up to 4 people may come to the appointment with the patient. We do not allow more than 4 people without an exception. Siblings who are younger than 1 year old can come and are not included in the total number of people allowed at the visit.    
    • For patients staying at the hospital overnight: Single and double rooms allow up to 4 parents or other adults to be identified as dedicated caregivers. Up to 4 adults (caregivers or visitors) are allowed in the room with the patient at a time during visiting hours and 2 dedicated caregivers may stay overnight. Siblings younger than 1 year old may visit and may stay with the caregiver(s) overnight. No other siblings may visit unless they are a dedicated caregiver over the age of 18.
    • For patients staying in the Special Isolation Unit: Up to 4 adult caregivers may be designated as visitors but only 2 adult caregivers are allowed in a room at a time and 2 adult caregivers can stay overnight. Siblings are not allowed in the Special Isolation Unit unless they are 18 years or older. This includes siblings younger than 1 year old.
    • For patients coming to the Surgery Center at Seattle Children's hospital campus and Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center: Up to 4 people may come with the patient for the surgical procedure, but only 2 parents or adult caregivers can come into the procedure area. Siblings who are younger than 1 year old can come and are not included in the total number of people allowed at the visit.
  • Symptom screening for patients and families

    Upon arrival, patients and families are asked screening questions for signs of illness. Please contact your child’s provider if your child develops a new illness like fever, cough or runny nose before your scheduled visit.

  • Masking guidelines

    Masks are optional for patients, families, visitors, and workforce members. Masks should still be worn if you have respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose or fever. We will have masks available as you enter if you do not have your own mask.

  • COVID-19 and other respiratory illness screenings for patients with a planned surgery, procedure or hospital stay

    A member of our team will contact patients and conduct a phone screening to determine if pre-procedure testing is required before a procedure or admission. If testing is required, we will coordinate and inform you of next steps.

  • Symptom screening for staff and faculty

    Staff follow our standard work restriction policy as it applies to them if they are ill. This means they should not come to work if they have certain respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

We offer COVID-19 vaccines to our patients staying in the hospital or coming for a clinic visit at our Seattle Children’s hospital campus in Seattle and Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC). Ask the care team about a COVID-19 vaccine for your child. 

COVID-19 Testing Information 

Seattle Children’s offers COVID-19 testing for patients ages 20 and under in certain instances. Learn more about COVID-19 testing at Seattle Children's and in the community

Patient and Family Resources 

Last updated on April 15, 2024