TOWSON, MD—On Monday afternoon, the Baltimore County Fire Department announced that, effective immediately, BCoFD medic units and ambulances will no longer allow family members to ride with patients to local hospitals.

Officials say the change is necessary due to the fact that all Baltimore-area hospitals have limited or completely restricted visitor access as a safety measure during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

In rare instances, and depending on the patient’s circumstances, BCoFD will transport a family member with the understanding that the family member will remain outside of the hospital, pending direction by hospital staff.