Beginning Monday, Roswell Park to Require COVID-19 Vaccine or Negative PCR Test for Inpatient Visitors

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Buffalo and the Western New York region, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is amending its inpatient visitation policy.

Starting Monday, December 6, 2021, visitors coming to see inpatients at Roswell Park must show proof of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or, for unvaccinated individuals, a negative polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) test taken within the past 72 hours. Exceptions will be granted only in rare cases where unusual circumstances present.

Acceptable forms of vaccination proof include:

• CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, in paper or electronic copy
• New York State Excelsior Pass/Excelsior Pass Plus
• NYC COVID Safe mobile app records

The change does not apply to visitors accompanying patients for outpatient, or ambulatory, appointments.

Cancer patients have weakened immune systems and are at risk for severe impacts if exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.Roswell Park continues to protect its most vulnerable patients and appreciates everyone’s cooperation with important public-health measures like masking and physical distancing while on campus.

Hospital visiting hours remain noon to 6 p.m. every day, including weekends and holidays. For additional information on coronavirus and visitation policies and procedures, visit roswellpark.org/coronavirus.

###

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.