Maria Parham Health has announced additional restrictions are being implemented for hospital visitors, effective immediately, in response to an elevated level of respiratory virus and illness.
These restrictions were put in place to protect the health and safety of patients and employees, according to information released by the hospital earlier Wednesday.
At this time, the use of face masks is optional, but highly encouraged by all visitors. Masks remain a simple, yet effective, tool to prevent respiratory viral transmission.
Hospital officials note that the Charge Nurse or House Supervisor has discretion to waive these restrictions outside normal visiting hours. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis; specific situations – such as end-of-life care or critically ill patients – are two such examples where discretion could be used.
The measures in place now include:
- Children under 18 are discouraged from visiting
- Adult visitors and family members should be limited to next of kin and close contacts.
- Only two visitors will be allowed at a time. There may be times when 1 or no visitors will be allowed into the Emergency Department
- Visitors who do not feel well are asked not to visit
- Use proper cough etiquette (covering cough with tissue or arm, disposing of tissue immediately then cleaning hands)
- Perform hand hygiene before and after visiting
