Coronavirus Updates for Parents & Visitors

Loma Linda University Children’s Health is working hard to keep kids and families safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Though it can seem like a scary situation, most kids and adults only have mild or moderate symptoms, similar to the flu.

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Information and Resources

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Hospital Entrance Changes

In continuing efforts to manage and screen public and employee access to both the Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, we have taken the following actions effective immediately: 

• The front, or east, entrances of the University and Children’s hospitals are closed until further notice
• Valet service is suspended until further notice
• Patient access and discharge will be through parking structure P3 by means of the grand hallway
• Emergency Department entrance is for emergency room patients only. No employee drop-offs are permitted through this entrance
• All Medical Center and Children’s Hospital employees must continue parking in P2 and enter through the north breezeway entrance

Visitor Restrictions

For the safety of our patients and staff, we will no longer be allowing visitors in any of our adult hospitals effective March 20. Humanitarian exceptions will be allowed and will be determined by the charge nurse of the respective unit.

Children’s Hospital will follow the guidelines that they have put in place, which allow two approved visitors per patient, although they may only rotate once every 24 hours and cannot be in the facility at the same time.

Patients and Appointments

Here’s what our patients and families need to know about coming in for appointments.

We’re asking that only one caregiver accompany children

If a child in your care has an appointment, we ask that only one adult caregiver accompanies them. If you’re also caring for siblings and no other childcare is available, please contact the clinic for options. 

Patients and families need to self-screen before appointments

Before visiting our hospitals and clinics, families should consider the following screening requirements. Contact your child’s primary care physician by phone or MyChart before coming in if they have:

• Shown symptoms of respiratory infection, like fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
• Been in close contact with someone diagnosed or quarantined for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
• Traveled outside the United States in the last 14 days.

When you and your child arrive, you'll need to be screened

To help protect kids, families and staff, both patients and visitors will be screened at the entrances of our hospitals and clinics. We’ll ask about symptoms, recent travel and exposure risks.

Most elective surgeries and in-clinic visits are being postponed

To prepare for the possible rapid increase in critical patient care needs, we’re taking the following steps:

• All elective, non-urgent procedures are being canceled and rescheduled for a later date.
• Many clinic visits are being converted to telephone or video visits on MyChart.
• Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s clinics are providing limited and emergency coverage only.

Our clinicians will be working to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. We’ll be calling families to cancel or reschedule appointments immediately. If you have questions, please call 909-558-5545.

Please note: these changes do not apply to Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions we’ve heard from our patients and families. If you don’t find the answer you need, please don’t hesitate to call us at 909-558-5545.

Download more information about Coronavirus and protecting your family.

Parents and Visitors

Is it safe to go to the hospital? 

Yes. We keep kids and families safe using strict preventive measures for infectious diseases. COVID-19 may be new, but we have long-standing measures in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Has your hospital cancelled any events?

Out of extra precaution, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel events until until further notice. Please view our events calendar page for the latest updates.

Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?

Currently, there is no vaccine for coronavirus. Several potential vaccines are in various stages of development. 

What do I do if I was exposed to someone who has now tested positive? 

Please follow the CDC guidelines for home and self-decontamination. Follow social isolation guidelines to limit your exposure to others in the event that you are contagious. If you develop symptoms, contact your primary care provider or schedule a visit using Mychart.

Coronavirus and Kids

What is COVID-19 (coronavirus)? 

Learn about risks, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

How can I prevent my child from getting sick?

The most effective ways to prevent infection are handwashing and limiting contact with others. View our coronavirus fact sheet (PDF) for more prevention tips.

Do kids have the same symptoms as adults?

Yes. Children usually have mild cold-like symptoms, including fever, runny nose, cough or difficulty breathing. At this time, there isn’t evidence to suggest COVID-19 symptoms are much different for kids.

What should I do if my child has symptoms?

Call your pediatrician or family doctor if your child is experiencing symptoms and may have been exposed to COVID-19. Your doctor will help you take any necessary precautions before coming in for care.

How do I get my child tested for COVID-19?

If you feel your child needs to be tested, please contact your primary care provider. They will screen your child for symptoms, determine if a test is needed and give you further instruction.

Are children more at risk of infection or serious illness?

No. Most cases of COVID-19 currently involve adults, and severe illness is uncommon for both healthy adults and children. If your child has other health conditions, he or she may be more at risk.

Should my child wear a facemask to prevent COVID-19 infection?

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask if you are not sick. Facemasks should be worn by people who have been exposed and are showing symptoms. Your child should only wear a mask if your healthcare provider recommends it.

Coronavirus and Pregnancy

Are pregnant women at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19?

Currently, there is limited information about how susceptible pregnant women are to COVID-19. According to the CDC, women are generally more at risk of contracting viral respiratory infections because of changes in their bodies during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have other conditions (like diabetes and heart, lung or kidney disease) are considered to be high-risk if they contract the virus.

Can pregnant moms transmit COVID-19 to their babies?

So far, there is no evidence of the disease being passed through the cord blood or amniotic fluid of infected moms to their babies. Dr. Courtney Martin says that, during a vaginal delivery, the virus can be detected in maternal blood and feces. In many cases, babies can be exposed to these at the time of birth. “Because of this,” Dr. Martin says, “our OB-GYNs at Children’s Hospital are taking extra precautions to ensure the baby is safe from this exposure.” 

What extra precautions should pregnant women take?

Pregnant women should be as careful as possible to avoid COVID-19 and follow all guidelines the CDC has in place for the general public. Mainly, avoid unnecessary travel, public gatherings and contact with others who have any type of illness. It’s also critical to continue your prenatal care — including appointments with your OB-GYNs.

Coronavirus and Pets

Can pets get coronavirus?

There have been no reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19. As a precaution, the CDC recommends not handling pets or other animals while sick. Visit the CDC’s Animals and Coronavirus page for the latest information.

Helpful Resources

Here are some helpful resources for you and your family.

• Coronavirus Fact Sheet (PDF)
• CDC Coronavirus Info
• CDC: Pregnant Women And Children
• CDC resources on coping with stress and anxiety
• American Academy of Pediatrics Resources
• Artforkidshub.com - offering free art, origami, painting, etc. lessons for kids
• Audible.com is offering free stories for kids of all ages
• Riverside County School Food Program
• San Bernardino School District meal services
• LLU Students And Faculty
• Employees