WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Novant Health will begin implementing visitor restrictions on Tuesday, January 14 to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
According to the news release, children under 13 years old are asked not to visit Novant Health Hospitals.
“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. These visitor restrictions are one more way we can keep our most vulnerable patients safe while they are being treated in our hospitals. We appreciate the community’s help in exercising extra care during this time.”
Novant Health provided the following guidelines for visitation:
- Stay home if under 13, unless seeking care or other special circumstances. Children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals. Children may be permitted to visit hospitalized patients under special circumstances, such as visiting a family member who is in end-of-life care. In these instances, parents should work with the patient’s care team to make arrangements.
- Masks remain optional for visitors.
- Stay home if you’re sick. People ages 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 at area hospitals. However, people who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction but will be asked to wear a mask.”
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