
In response to the uptick in respiratory illnesses, major North Carolina healthcare providers Atrium Health and Novant Health have both announced temporary visitor restrictions across their hospitals. Beginning tomorrow, these preventative measures aim to mitigate the spread of infections among patients and staff.
According to a WBTV report, kids 12 years and below will not be allowed inside Atrium's acute care hospitals, emergency rooms, rehab units, among others. Meanwhile, Novant Health is setting the bar slightly higher, barring visitors 13 and under from its hospitals. As for mask mandates, Atrium Health requires them where direct patient care occurs, whereas Novant Health maintains a mask-optional policy.
"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," Dr. David Priest, Novant Health's senior vice president, emphasized the community's role in curbing this outbreak. He shared this in a statement obtained by QC News.
Further details on the restrictions at Atrium indicate that all visitors are required to wear masks in emergency department waiting areas and direct patient care zones. This information was provided by WCCB Charlotte. Under special scenarios, such as end-of-life situations, exceptions for children visiting Novant Health hospitals might be possible if arranged in advance with the patient’s care team.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and the flu, prompting these proactive steps from healthcare providers. Both Atrium and Novant Health stress that community members should stay home if feeling unwell and keep up with vaccinations to protect against these viruses.