RALEIGH, N.C. – Beginning today, January 6, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and UNC REX Hospitals in Raleigh are implementing new visitor restrictions.
- Children under 12 are prohibited from visiting inpatients at UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh
- Children under 12 are prohibited from visiting inpatients and inpatient waiting rooms at UNC Hospitals including Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Wakebrook campuses
- If you have a fever, an active cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, or a sore throat, you should not visit a hospital unless you are receiving medical attention.
According to a press release, UNC Hospitals and UNC REX Hospitals are implementing new restrictions to help keep vulnerable patients healthy during the peak of flu season.
Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from visiting inpatients are UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh, this includes patients in the Emergency Department, as well as all oncology outpatient areas.
Similar restrictions were already in place for the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), with visitors restricted to only parents and grandparents.
Children under the age of 12 are also prohibited from visiting inpatients and inpatient waiting rooms at UNC Hospitals including Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Wakebrook campuses. This restriction excludes inpatient hospice. Children under 12 are also prohibited from the perioperative waiting rooms at UNC Medical Center and Hillsborough Hospital.
These restrictions were previously in place for the Newborn Critical Care Center (NCCC), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), 5 Children’s/Intermediate Care (5CH), and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (BMTU) at UNC Hospitals.
No matter your age, if you have a fever, an active cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, or a sore throat, you should not visit a hospital unless you are receiving medical attention.
Hospitals are urging families to have their children write letters and e-mails to loved ones receiving treatment and care. They also encourage the use of Skype or FaceTime to talk to patients.