In response to a dramatic increase in local flu cases, Roper Hospital, located in Charleston, South Carolina, announced a reintroduction of masking requirements and a reduction in visitation rights effective as of January 9th at 7 a.m. These temporary measures, applicable across all Roper hospitals and hospital-based outpatient departments, have been put into place as a strategic method of curbing the ongoing surge.
Over the last seven days, Roper Hospital conducted 1,061 influenza tests, of which 189 returned positive. This indicates that almost 27% of the hospital’s patient population tested were afflicted with the flu in the past month – a staggeringly high positivity rate that is worryingly indicative of a potential wider community outbreak.
This decision was taken in the wake of South Carolina recording its first pediatric flu-related fatality of the season, revealing the gravity of the current flu situation.
Mask wearing will now be mandatory for all hospital staff, from medical teams to visitors in hospitals, hospital-based outpatient departments, and hospital-related Physician Partners clinics. The hospital is advocating for masks being worn across outpatient settings and other clinics, though it is not made compulsory. Roper Hospital has committed to supporting this directive by providing masks and dedicated signage at entrances and in clinical areas.
On the topic of visitation, the hospital has decided to restrict the visitor flow. Restrictions include encouraging patients to accept only one visitor at a time and urging visitors to reduce their visits if feasible. Individuals exhibiting symptoms indicative of influenza or other respiratory conditions are requested to delay their visits or wear a mask if visitation is necessary. Furthermore, due to a high spike in flu cases among children, the hospital has imposed a ban on visits from children under 12 years of age, with very few exceptions allowed.
The hospital maintains that these measures aim to ensure and safeguard the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors, and hospital staff alike. These decisions have been guided by recommendations from infection prevention teams and hospital leadership. The imposed restrictions are not permanent and will be evaluated on a weekly basis, taking into account the ongoing flu activity within the community and within the hospital’s own premises, officials have claimed.