Visitor Policy

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Hope has worked diligently to put in place measures to protect our patients, visitors and staff. As COVID-19 has evolved, so have our policies and procedures. With the effectiveness and rate of vaccinations in the community, combined with the widespread availability of home antigen testing and less severe variants in circulation, City of Hope will loosen the COVID-19 visitor policy. Please note: All City of Hope locations in California continue to require masks in clinical facilities.

Visitor Policy for Outpatients

At all City of Hope locations, one visitor per day may accompany adult patients (two for patients under 18) for all outpatient appointments, as space allows (space is limited in some departments).

  • At the Duarte main campus only:

    Effective Wednesday, Aug. 23, outpatients and visitors no longer need to check in upon arrival in Parking Lot G or City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Hospital. They can now go directly to the appointment location.
     
  • At all other City of Hope locations:

    Outpatients and visitors must continue to check in for appointments at designated areas, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, they may report directly to their appointment locations.

 

After Drop-Off, What You Can Do While Waiting

For caregivers who drive patients to City of Hope's main campus in Duarte, California, here are some things to do while waiting:
  • Walk in our gardens and public spaces, while maintaining COVID-19 social distancing.
  • Donate blood or platelets at the City of Hope Blood Donor Center.
  • There are restrooms in the Graff Medical and Scientific Library, adjacent to City Café, and another set of restrooms behind City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Hospital.
  • If the planned visit is longer in duration and drivers would like to leave and return, we will assist in calling them in advance of your pickup time.
  • Enjoy a meal at the City Café (behind the Geri & Richard Brawerman Ambulatory Care Center).

General Visitor Policy for Inpatients

  • All inpatients are allowed two simultaneous visitors. Visitors are no longer required to be on an approved visitor list.
  • Minors aged 5 and over are allowed to visit if they can wear a mask and are accompanied by an adult (who is not the patient) at all times.
  • Inpatients who have surgery, chemotherapy or unscheduled admission from the clinic will be allowed visitors only once admitted to a room.

COVID-19 Precautions

  • Visitors will not be permitted for inpatients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • Visitors should not visit their loved ones if they or anyone in their household feels sick or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days or exposed to someone who is waiting for COVID-19 test results.
  • Please help us protect your loved ones by taking steps to avoid infection while outside of the hospital or clinic. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an antiseptic hand gel. Avoid crowded areas and sick people.

Visiting Hours for Inpatients

  • Visitation is allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Visitors must check in with security at the front desk of City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Hospital.

Special Circumstances for Inpatients

  • Patients under the age of 18 will be allowed two designated visitors at the same time.
  • Actively dying patients with prior approval will be allowed up to three simultaneous visitors per day for a one-time visit.
  • Due to their weakened immune systems, patients undergoing transplant cannot receive visitors unless approved by their hematology team.
The visitor policy is arranged specifically for each patient’s situation and may be revoked or revised at any time.

Packages for Inpatients

If your loved one is an inpatient, you may want to drop off packages. You may deliver your packages to the security desk at the front of City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Hospital. Please be sure that the patient's name and room number are on the package, as well as the name of the attending physician and medical record number if you know what it is. Our staff is glad to help you.