Carney Hospital is tightening up security and banning most visitors as it transitions into a speciality care center for COVID-19 patients.

In a statement issued this morning, a Carney spokesman said: "As of March 18th, Carney Hospital will not allow visitors or non-essential vendors. This decision was made to ensure that we are minimizing the risk of outside introduction of COVID-19 and to keep our staff and patients as safe as possible."

"Access to the campus for all patients is restricted to the following entrances only (all other entrances will be locked and available for egress from the facility only or by badge access for certain personnel)."

According to Puloe, parents or guardians of pediatric patients will have access and the hospital will allow for some "compassionate care" visits.

"There may be other extenuating circumstances where visitation will be allowed,"he said.

The Dunkin Donuts — located in the hospital's main entrance—is "closed until further notice."

The emergency room entrance on the north side of the Carney campus remains open 24-7, but the main entrance will be open from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. The Seton building in the rear of Carney will be open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.