ASHEBORO N.C. – Several local hospitals are limiting visitation in an attempt to limit the spread of respiratory viruses such as RSV and the flu.
Citing concerns for the health and wellbeing of the community and the widespread prevalence of respiratory viruses such as RSV and flu among young children, several North Carolina health systems are putting in place policies restricting children 12 and under from visiting patients who are hospitalized.
Those restrictions are set to go into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 16th 2022, at 7 a.m., and apply to hospitals that are part of the following health systems in North Carolina:
- Atrium Health
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
- CaroMont Health
- Cone Health
- Novant Health
- Randolph Health
According to a press release from Randolph Health, masks are still required for visitors. Additionally, anyone aged 13 years and over who are experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever, or cough should not visit patients being treated at area hospitals.
People who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction. Children may be permitted to visit hospitalized patients under special circumstances, such as visiting a dying family member. In these instances, parents should work with their care team to make arrangements.
Health officials continue to remind the community to continue taking measures that are known to limit the spread of respiratory viruses such as staying home when sick, hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 – including the latest COVID-19 fall boosters.
As always, patients are asked to only visit the emergency department if they are experiencing a serious or life-threatening illness or injury. Those who need medical attention for more routine cough, fever, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms should contact their primary care provider. Other options include urgent care centers and virtual visits that are offered by each of the health systems.