LITCHFIELD-Meeker Memorial Hospital implemented visitor restrictions Thursday to protect patients, staff and the community from the spread of influenza.
The restrictions are in effect until further notice and are subject to change.
Among the restrictions:
Parents are recommended not to bring their children to visit hospital patients. No one under 18 is allowed to visit the Birth Center at this time, with the exception of siblings.
For anyone with symptoms such as scratchy throat, fever, cough and body aches, a mask is required to visit patients.
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All visitors must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to and after their visit. There are "hygiene" kiosks with masks and hand sanitizer located in the center of the lobby and in the hall on the third floor between the inpatient and behavioral health inpatient units.
"By restricting visitors in this way we can help protect patients and others who are most susceptible to developing influenza," Kari Olson, infection control nurse, said in a news release. "We realize this may cause inconvenience for some people, but we are taking this step in the best interest of the health of our patients, visitors and staff members."
Hospitals and other health care organizations are reporting significant increases in patients testing positive for influenza and others presenting in clinics, urgent care settings and emergency departments with flu-like symptoms.
To help reduce the spread of influenza and other illnesses, the public is advised to regularly wash their hands, cover coughs, stay home if they're sick and contact their health care provider before going to a clinic or emergency department if they have flu-like symptoms.
