Starting today, all visits at city-run hospitals and Rikers Island are suspended as a response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across the five boroughs.

However, there are still some exceptions to the new rule, particularly at NYC Health + Hospitals – specifically if the visit is essential to patient care, is part of an end-of-life situation, or if the patient is in labor or pediatric.

If you qualify for one of these exceptions for visiting, you must not only provide proof of vaccination, but have a negative COVID-19 test result within the 48 hours before the visit as well.

Rikers Island is currently offering tele-visits for loved ones at the correctional facility, but no other in-person alternatives are currently available. The Department of Corrections has also suspended congregate programs like religious services, and they plan to continually review this.