CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Starting Wednesday, Nov. 16, several North Carolina health systems will implement new visitation policies in an effort to limit the spread of respiratory viruses.
“Out of concern for the health and wellbeing of the community, and due to the widespread prevalence of respiratory viruses, such as RSV and flu among young children, several North Carolina health systems ask that children 12 and under not visit patients who are hospitalized,” according to a news release.
The policy will go into effect at 7 a.m. and applies to all hospitals included in the following North Carolina health systems:
- Atrium Health
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
- CaroMont Health
- Cone Health
- Novant Health
- Randolph Health
Masks are still required for visitors.
Anyone who is 13 years of age or older and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough, should not visit patients being treated in area hospitals. Officials say, however, people 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,” the release said.
Health care officials continue to urge all North Carolinians eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters to get their shot. Many residents in the state still haven't received a flu vaccine, and a large number of those who haven't gotten the shot, don't intend to get it, according to a recent survey conducted by the High Point University Survey Research Center.
For more information on visitation restrictions and policies at various health care systems throughout North Carolina, click the following links below: