
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The two leading health care providers across North Carolina are both implementing temporary visitor restrictions at their hospitals due to the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Restrictions at both Atrium Health and Novant Health hospitals will begin Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Visitors 12 years and younger will not be allowed in Atrium acute-care hospitals, emergency rooms, rehab units and a few other types of facilities. Novant is restricting visitors 13 and under from its hospitals.
Atrium visitors will have to wear masks when in areas where direct patient care is given, and while waiting in the emergency room. Masks will stay optional at Novant facilities.
“Each one of us has a role to play in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses by staying home when sick, getting vaccinated and seeking the appropriate level of care when necessary,” Dr. David Priest, senior vice president of Novant Health, said. “These visitor restrictions are one more way we can keep our most vulnerable patients safe while they are being treated in our hospitals. We appreciate the community’s help in exercising extra care during this time.”
Both health systems recommend staying home if sick, and said people should stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.
The restrictions come as the CDC reported an increase in cases of RSV, COVID-19 and the flu.
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