St. Luke’s University Health Network has updated its hospital visitor policy in response to a dramatic, ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, including a portion of which that have been identified as the highly transmissible omicron variant.

Under St. Luke’s updated visitor policy, the network will allow for up to two vaccinated visitors per patient at all of its hospital locations.

The network said the decision to restrict visitors to only people who are vaccinated is “out of concern and for the protection of our most vulnerable population as well as our health care staff whose ability to work at this time is critical.”

According to the state’s COVID-19 Early Warning Dashboard, four out of the five local counties rank in the top 10 for highest incidence rate per 100,000 residents over the last seven-day reporting period.

From Dec. 10-16, Carbon County’s incidence rate was 579.6. Close behind were Northampton County at 579.5, Schuylkill County at 551.1 and Lehigh County at 533.7. Monroe County checked in at 474.

The most recent daily COVID-19 data shows Carbon County added 27 positive cases on Tuesday, Monroe County added 89, Schuylkill added 98, Northampton added 260, and Lehigh added 275.

The state reports that 35,606 Carbon County residents are fully vaccinated, as are 244,584 Lehigh County residents, 89,401 Monroe County residents, 189,524 Northampton County residents and 75,639 Schuylkill County residents.

St. Luke’s policy requires:

• All visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Visiting hours are from noon to 8 p.m. for up to two visitors, aged 12 and older.

• Masks are to be worn (covering your nose and mouth) and social distancing maintained for the duration of the visit.

• Eating/drinking by visitors should be limited to cafeterias, as available. Visitors may not eat/drink while in patient rooms or in waiting areas as this requires mask removal and increases risk of infection.

• Visitors must be in good health and may be subject to a health screening.

• Visitation for COVID-19 positive patients is prohibited except for those nearing end of life.

For patients with cognitive or intellectual disabilities one support person may remain with the patient.

• Visitors are NOT permitted in our infusion centers or radiation therapy areas.