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URBANA — Carle Health has updated its visitor policy and masking recommendations for the time being, with the health system citing “increasing rates of respiratory illness” in central and southeastern Illinois service areas.
The temporary changes include limiting patient rooms to two visitors at a time, who must be 18 years or older. Additionally, individuals who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness are “strongly encouraged” to mask up while in Carle facilities. Such symptoms include coughing, congestion, aches, nausea or fever.
“Carle Health continuously monitors the rate of RSV, flu, COVID-19 and other infections in the areas we serve and have seen a steady incline over the past weeks,” said Dr. Robert Healy, chief associate medical director of quality, patient safety and patient experience.
“Based on this data and the recommendations of (the Illinois Department of Public Health) and CDC, taking additional, temporary precautions in our care facilities is necessary to reduce the spread of illness.”
Carle will continue to monitor respiratory illness rates and update the community once the temporary restrictions are lifted, officials said.
The organization’s staff also are taking steps to minimize the spread of sickness.