Memorial Health limits hospital visitors amid rise in respiratory illnesses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Memorial Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions at its five hospitals in response to a statewide increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.

The restrictions, recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), apply to inpatient units at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Outpatient locations, including urgent care, primary care, lab, and imaging services, are not affected.

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.

Memorial Health emphasizes proper hygiene to help prevent the spread of illness, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and wearing a mask around others when appropriate. Most respiratory illnesses resolve within one to two weeks, but some can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications.

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

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