The University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) has enacted a new COVID-19 visitor policy as concerns grow over the rising infection rate brought on by the delta variant. 

The new protocols were announced on Aug. 9 and include mask requirements and a limits to the number of visitors allowed for each patient. The hospital also encouraged patients to use other means of communication to stay in touch with their loved ones during their hospital stay, including FaceTime and Skype, a press release from the hospital stated.

"The University of New Mexico Hospital is following guidelines created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Mexico Department of Health. We are working to make sure staff and resources are ready to care for our New Mexico community," the release said. 

Visitors entering the hospital are now required to wear a hospital-provided procedural mask, be screened for symptoms, and may be asked to not sit in the waiting rooms or asked to wait in their vehicle until they're able to visit the patient in their room, according to the press release. 

The release also listed additional rules in place for specific departments including the emergency room, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, end-of-life care, and COVID-19 care.