Influenza and Respiratory Season Visitation Precautions
Effective: January 8, 2026 – April 1, 2026
Our community and surrounding counties are experiencing increased rates of influenza and flu-like illness which has triggered our planned implementation of visitation precautions. These measures are needed to ensure a safe environment for our patients, their families, and our hospital personnel.
Hospital Visitors:
Critical Care Units (NICU and PICU)
- Limit of 2 adult caregivers at bedside at any time
- Siblings can only visit if they are 14 yrs old or older, because younger children might have sickness without showing signs.
- The use of a mask is encouraged at all times. The hospital will provide masks.
- Caregivers are encouraged to utilize hand sanitizer or wash their hands frequently while visiting, including upon arrival to the hospital, after any patient contact, after eating, after blowing or touching their nose, after using the restroom, and when leaving the hospital.
Non-Critical Care Units and Areas
- Limit of 2 adult caregivers at any time.
- Visits from siblings under age 14 are highly discouraged but not restricted.
- The use of a mask is encouraged at all times. The hospital will provide masks.
- Caregivers are encouraged to utilize hand sanitizer or wash their hands frequently while visiting, including upon arrival to the hospital, after any patient contact, after eating, after blowing or touching their nose, after using the restroom, and when leaving the hospital.
Outpatient Visitors including Specialty Clinics, Primary Care, and Urgent Care:
- For routine or scheduled visits, if the caregiver is ill with an active respiratory infection, we will work with you towards one of the following solutions:
- Rescheduling the visit
- Arranging for a non-ill caregiver to accompany the patient to the appointment or test, or
- Converting to telehealth, when feasible.
- The use of a mask is encouraged at all times. The hospital will provide masks.
- Caregivers are encouraged to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands frequently, including upon arrival to the appointment, after blowing or touching their nose, using the restroom, and when leaving the appointment.
Communication and Education
- The hospital will provide masks and hand sanitizer throughout the organization.
- Flu and flu-like illness education resources are available here:
