HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — UNC Health Pardee announced it will implement visitor restrictions at Pardee Hospital due to an increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses in the area, joining a list of North Carolina hospitals with similar rules.
INFLUENZA A, RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES SPIKE IN WNC, CAUSING HOSPITAL VISITING RESTRICTIONS
Beginning Dec. 30, the Hendersonville hospital will enforce the following restrictions in all inpatient areas:
- A limit of two visitors per patient
- Visitors must be 11 years or older
- People should not visit the hospital if they have respiratory symptoms or any of the following: headache, muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, or a runny or stuffy nose
“Our top priority is always the health and safety of our community,” Dr. Greg McCarty, the chief medical officer at UNC Health Pardee, said in a written statement. “These temporary restrictions are necessary to prevent further spread of respiratory illnesses and ensure our health care providers can continue to deliver the highest level of care.”
Officials with Pardee said that while mask-wearing remains optional, it is strongly recommended during periods of increased flu-like illnesses.
VISITOR RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED BY ADVENTHEALTH DUE TO RISE IN RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES
AdventHealth also issued visitor restrictions on Monday, Dec. 29, citing an increase in respiratory illnesses. A spokesperson for AdventHealth said that, in an effort to keep patients and children safe, no one under 18 is allowed to visit the hospital at this time.
The Charlotte Observer reported Monday that several hospitals in Charlotte were also seeing a spike in flu-like cases, prompting Novant Health to restrict visitors under 13 and Atrium Health to limit visitors at certain facilities.
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On Tuesday, Mission Health announced visitor restrictions that will start on Wednesday, Dec. 31.