Local hospitals release visitor restrictions amidst flu surge

(WAND) — Multiple hospital systems have issued visitor restrictions due to the rising rate of influenza, COVID and other respiratory illnesses in Illinois.

Many of the restrictions are based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The new temporary guidelines at Carle Health facilities include the following:

Patient rooms are limited to two visitors at a time, and visitors must be 18 years or older.
Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms is strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in our facilities.

The rules at Memorial locations apply to inpatient units at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

Under the new rules:

Hospital visits are limited to two visitors per patient at a time.
Visitors must be 18 years or older and show no signs of illness.
Masks are encouraged but not required; disposable masks will be provided at entry.

The temporary visitor restrictions at Sarah Bush Lincoln include:

Visitors under the age of 18 are restricted (unless they are the parent of a hospitalized child)
Visitors are limited to two per patient at any one time
Please do not visit if you have a respiratory illness
Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask if they are experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat)
Visits to patients in isolation for influenza, Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are limited to persons who are necessary for the patient’s emotional well-being and care. These visitors should also wear the appropriate personal protective equipment supplied for the isolation rooms while visiting.

If you are not feeling well, stay home. Children, elderly adults and immunocompromised people are most at risk for getting sick.

For the latest Illinois-specific information on respiratory illnesses, including symptoms, trends and prevention, visit the IDPH website.