CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — As respiratory illnesses continue to rise in the Charlotte metro and beyond, several major healthcare systems have implemented visitor restrictions.
To help stop the spread of illnesses in the community, Atrium Health announced on Monday temporary visitor restrictions in the following facilities:
- Acute care hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Rehabilitation units and facilities
- Behavioral health
- Inpatient hospice
- Infusion centers
- Certain cancer areas including bone marrow transplant clinics
Health officials said that these visitor restrictions will go into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Children 12 and under should not visit the locations listed above, Atrium Health said.
“Visitors will be asked to wear masks when in areas where direct patient care is provided and in emergency department waiting areas,” Atrium Health clarified on Monday.
Novant Health also announced visitor restrictions to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
“Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 a.m., children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals in North Carolina,” Novant Health said in a released statement.
Novant Health’s visitor guidance is as follows:
- Children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals in North Carolina. Children may be permitted to visit hospitalized patients under special circumstances, such as visiting a family member who is in end-of-life care
- Masks remain optional for visitors
- Stay home if you’re sick. People 13 years and older who are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever, or cough should not visit patients being treated
“Across the areas we serve, we are seeing an increase in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases,” said Dr. David Priest, senior vice president, and chief safety and quality officer, Novant Health. “Each one of us has a role to play in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, getting vaccinated, and seeking the appropriate level of care when necessary.”
