In an attempt to minimize the risk of contagious respiratory ailments spreading to fragile patients, numerous local hospitals, including Novant Health, Iredell Memorial Hospital, and Catawba Valley Health, have implemented visitor restrictions, effective from December 30. The central focus is on restricting younger visitors, generally those under 13 or 14, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as visiting a newborn sibling or spending time with a family member in end-of-life care. These institutions are also urging anyone with flu-like symptoms — fever, sore throat, cough, and a runny nose — to refrain from visits.
Novant Health is striving to control the influx of respiratory illnesses, notably the flu, by limiting visitors under the age of 13 unless the conditions are specific and exceptional, as aforementioned. ‘We can all collaborate to reduce the rise in respiratory viruses across the communities we serve,’ as stated by Dr. David Priest, senior vice president and chief safety and quality officer at Novant Health. The healthcare provider encourages anyone with flu-like symptoms to come to the hospital for treatment, albeit with a mask on. While masking is optional for visitors, it can prevent the spread of colds or flu and protect both the visitor and the visited patient.
Echoing Novant Health’s rules, Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville is also restricting more youthful visitors. ‘Restrictions of this nature are crucial in safeguarding our patients, staff, and visitors,’ remarks Pam Gill, Director of Infection Prevention for the Iredell Health System. The hospital encourages all visitors to use the masks, hand sanitizer, and tissues provided at the public entrances of Iredell Memorial.
Catawba Valley Health, on the other hand, has adopted the same preventive measures and encourages children under 13 to only visit if they in need of medical attention or visiting a newborn sibling in the Birthing Center. They should otherwise refrain from visiting unless an arrangement is agreed upon with the care team for end-of-life care situations. As with the above hospitals, anyone displaying cold or flu-like symptoms is asked to avoid visiting patients.
In conclusion, these medical facilities are committed to the health and safety of their patients by taking strong measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. It is imperative for the general public to adhere to these regulations and contribute to the overall health of the community.