Atrium and Novant restrict Charlotte hospital visits due to surge in flu, viruses
The largest hospital systems in the Charlotte region are restricting visitors to protect patients due to an increase of respiratory sickness in the area.
Atrium Health and Novant Health began limiting visitors on Tuesday because of a rise of people catching viruses such as the flu, COVID and RSV, a contagious infection that attacks the respiratory tract. The restrictions for Atrium and Novant apply to children under the age of 13.
“These visitor restrictions are one way we can keep our most vulnerable patients safe while they are being treated in our hospitals,” stated Novant Dr. David Priest, senior vice president and chief safety and quality officer.
Statewide, there were more than 2,100 hospital admissions from Dec. 29 through Jan. 4 in emergency departments for people diagnosed with a respiratory virus or symptoms, according to the latest data from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This was an increase of more than 300 people from the prior week.
Novant Health said people 13 and under who are not experiencing flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever or coughing should not visit patients at its facilities. But people getting treatment at hospitals are not subject to restrictions.
The last time restrictions were in place was in December 2023, according to Atrium and Novant.
Along with hospitals, Atrium began its temporary visitor restrictions this week at places such as emergency departments, rehabilitation units and facilities, behavioral health, in-patient hospice, infusion centers and certain cancer areas including bone marrow transplant clinics.
Novant is allowing children in hospitals under special circumstances such as visiting a family member who is in end-of-life care. Parents should work with the patient’s care team to make arrangements, Novant said.
For Atrium, some hospitals and care locations may have more visitor restrictions in certain areas, and may change without notice.
Hospitals in the Raleigh area began restricting visitors on Jan. 6, The News & Observer reported. Both Duke Health and UNC limited visitations to those 12 and older, except under special circumstances. In December, WakeMed restricted visitors 11 and younger in areas where babies and children receive care.
Mask policies at Charlotte hospitals
Atrium is asking visitors to wear masks in areas where direct patient care is provided and in the waiting areas at emergency departments. Nursing facilities will not have any age-related restrictions, but the mask policy will be in place.
At Novant facilities, masks remain optional for visitors, but wearing them is encouraged.
Staying safe during the winter
Novant and Atrium are asking the public to help stop the spread of respiratory illness by staying home when sick, getting vaccinated and practicing good respiratory hygiene. This includes washing hands; covering noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing; and avoiding close contact with others when feeling sick.
The health systems are asking people with flu-like symptoms to contact their primary care provider for more information. Urgent care and virtual visits are another option for Novant and Atrium.
“These preventive measures are simple but powerful in helping us protect ourselves and those most vulnerable,” stated Dr. Katie Katie Passaretti, chief infection prevention officer for Atrium.
Additional information is available online at NovantHealth.org/PrimaryNow or www.gohealthuc.com/novant for urgent care and virtual care options patients. An on-demand care team serves adults and pediatric patients with 24/7 video visits.
Health information for Atrium is available online at AtriumHealth.org.
Free COVID tests can be ordered online at COVID.gov.
This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 2:18 PM.
