UNC Health, a major healthcare system in North Carolina, has announced the rollback of certain visitor restrictions that were initially put in place to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. These restrictions, has had a particular impact on visitors aged 11 and under, barring them from inpatient areas and waiting rooms. The restrictions were implemented in January and affected several UNC hospital campuses, including the main campus in Chapel Hill, UNC Health in Hillborough, Rex in Raleigh and Holly Springs, Chatham in Siler City, and the Youth Behavioral Health Hospital in Butner.
However, with respiratory-related hospital admissions now returning to regular levels, UNC Health has decided to revert to its normal visitation rules. While younger visitors are now allowed access, UNC Health urges individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness to avoid visiting patients. Furthermore, the healthcare provider still strongly recommends the use of face masks within its hospital campuses. UNC Health’s infection prevention teams are continuously monitoring crucial data to guide hospital administration’s decision on visitor restrictions with the primary aim of ensuring the welfare of patients and staff members.
Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reveals a steady decline in emergency department visits and hospital admissions due to respiratory symptoms since the end of January. Rates for the week of March 11 were reportedly at their lowest since October 2023. Throughout this time, UNC Health has worked actively to notify the community and potential visitors of their policies, urging people to check their individual hospital’s ‘Visitor Policy’ webpage for updates.