WS Chronicle

Out of concern for the health and well-being of the community as respiratory viruses become more prevalent, Novant Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions. Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 19, children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals in an effort to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

“In all of the communities we serve, we are observing an increase in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases,” said Dr. David Priest, senior vice president, and chief safety and quality officer, Novant Health. “We appreciate the community’s help in taking extra care when visiting our facilities this respiratory virus season as we work to protect our patients.”

Visitor guidance: 

*Stay home if under 13, unless seeking care or other special circumstances. Children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals. Children may be permitted to visit hospitalized patients under special circumstances, such as visiting a family member who is in end-of-life care. In these instances, parents should work with the patient’s care team to make arrangements.  

*Masks remain optional for visitors.

*Stay home if you’re sick. People ages 13 years and older who are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough should not visit patients being treated at area hospitals. However, people who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction but will be asked to wear a mask. 

Community considerations: Novant Health recommends all community members continue to take measures that are known to limit the spread of respiratory viruses.

*Stay home if you’re sick. Health officials strongly encourage people to stay home when sick, maintain good respiratory etiquette such as hand-washing and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.

*Get vaccinated. Most importantly, get vaccinated against flu, RSV (for eligible children and senior citizens) and COVID-19 – including the latest, updated COVID-19 vaccine – to best protect against illness heading into the holiday season. In addition to protecting against infection, both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can protect against the downstream effects of those infections such as heart attack and stroke. People who are at high-risk for complications – particularly those with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart and lung problems – are more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke in the weeks following a flu or COVID-19 infection.

Seek the appropriate level of care when needed:

*As always, patients are asked to only visit the emergency department if they are experiencing a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

*Same-day or next-day sick visits. Novant Health primary care and pediatric clinics offer sick visits within 24 hours. When you need medical attention for more routine cough, fever, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms, seek care from a primary care clinician or pediatrician. For more information, visit NovantHealth.org/PrimaryNow.

*Urgent care and virtual care options. Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care clinics are available to patients older than six months and appointments may be scheduled online. The Novant Health on-demand care team serves both adult and pediatric patients 24/7 with video visits. 

*Order free-at-home COVID-19 tests. Every U.S. home is eligible to order additional free at-home COVID-19 tests. To order, visit COVID.gov.

For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.