Newman Regional Health is clarifying its recent announcement about patient visit restrictions in light of recent illness trends.
Public Relations and Outreach Specialist Kacie Hastings says children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to visit the newborn inpatient areas. A news release issued Tuesday had urged parents not to bring young children but didn’t forbid that step. Hastings says this is a move designed “to protect our tiniest patients.”
Siblings under the age of 12 can visit if they pass a screening for symptoms of cold or fever.
As was the case in the original news release, residents are asked to not visit if they have had a fever, cough, sore throat or diarrhea over the past week — or who have been exposed to people with those symptoms. As far as new information, incoming patients with flu or flu-like symptoms should wear masks, and the hospital now has masks located at all guest entrances in case patients don’t have their own upon arrival.
This currently involves the hospital’s labor, delivery and obstetrics area or the fourth floor and may be expanded, depending on community illness levels. Restrictions will remain in place for the rest of the flu season, possibly ending by March or April.
