View the most recent visitor policies at Sharp hospitals.

Please find answers below to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 guidelines at our hospital.

Do we have to wear a mask when we are in the hospital?
Patients are required to wear masks in the presence of others, if tolerable, especially if they are symptomatic. Visitors are required to wear masks at all times while in the presence of patients in indoor settings (e.g., visiting patient rooms, accompanying patients in treatment/exam rooms, etc.).

Can we take it off when we are alone in the room?
Patients may remove their mask if alone in their room. Patients are required to wear masks in the presence of others, if tolerable, especially if they are symptomatic. Visitors are required to wear masks at all times while in the presence of patients in indoor settings (e.g., visiting patient rooms, accompanying patients in treatment/exam rooms, etc.).

Do I need to wear a mask if my COVID-19 test result is negative?
Masks must be worn regardless of test results.

Do I need to wear a mask during labor?
Masks must be worn during labor, but can be removed during the pushing stage.

If a nurse tells me I have to wear a mask, can I ask for someone else?
All Sharp Mary Birch caregivers and staff are required to ensure that patients and their support person wear their masks when others are in the room.

What if a patient or support person doesn't want to wear a mask?
Any patient or support person in our hospital is required to follow the same guidelines for the safety of our staff, visitors and other patients.

Does a support person need to get tested for COVID-19?
No.

If my support person is sick or tests positive for COVID-19, can they still attend the birth?
No person showing symptoms of an illness or who is positive for COVID-19 may enter the hospital.

Can my support person stay in the hospital if I’m COVID positive?
The support person may remain with the patient if the patient tests positive as long as the support person does not have symptoms and has not tested positive for COVID-19. They must wear a mask at all times. No in and out privileges will be allowed.

What is the rate of false positive?
We encourage you to ask the facility or lab administering the test for statistics, as they can vary with the type of test.

What if I test positive, can my baby stay in room?
A baby may remain in the room if the patient tests positive.

Can the support person still see the baby if a patient tests positive for COVID-19?
Yes, the support person will still be able to see the baby if a patient tests positive. However, if a baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit, the infection prevention team at Sharp Mary Birch will work with the support person to ensure all necessary steps are taken in order visit the baby as quickly as possible.

Will my baby be tested? If so, what happens if my baby tests positive?
A baby will be tested for COVID-19 if a patient tests positive. If a baby tests positive, a pediatrician will work with the family regarding next steps.

What if a patient refuses to be tested for COVID-19?
The current CDC and San Diego County guidelines advise for all labor and delivery patients to be tested upon admission to the hospital.

Should we wear a mask at home with the baby if we test negative?
No, members of the baby’s same household do not need to wear a mask if they appear asymptomatic; however, good hand hygiene and respiratory is still strongly recommended.