Atrium and Novant’s Charlotte hospitals change visitor policies amid flu season
Starting 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, the largest hospital systems in the Charlotte region are lifting temporary visitor restrictions for children under the age of 13 after a spike in flu cases in the state.
Both Atrium Health and Novant Health announced changes for their hospitals on Tuesday.
Visitor restrictions began in late December because of a rise in respiratory viruses such as COVID, the flu and RSV, a contagious infection that attacks the respiratory tract.
Health leaders have seen a decline in cases at their facilities, leading to the change, according to news releases from the two hospitals. The systems will continue to monitor respiratory virus levels and hospital capacity.
“Reaching this point shows how seriously our communities have taken the responsibility to slow the spread,” said Dr. David Priest, Novant’s senior vice president and chief safety and quality officer.
“Our priority is safe, effective care, and while we are easing these restrictions, we continue to remind our communities about the importance of staying home when showing signs of illness,” said Dr. Katie Passaretti, chief infection prevention officer for Advocate Health. Atrium is a part of Advocate Health. “Together we can keep more people healthy and limit the spread of illness.”
At Atrium, anyone with respiratory symptoms, a fever or a rash should not visit.
Mask policies at Charlotte hospitals
At Novant, masking is highly encouraged during flu season. People with symptoms of a respiratory virus will be asked to wear a mask.
It may be required in treatment areas for high-risk patients, including those in isolation. Patients may request that their care teams wear masks during treatment and clinic visits.
Masking is required for all people in high-risk patient areas when indicated by signage and for symptomatic patients if they are outside their patient room.
At Atrium, masks are optional and will be available for visitors.
Charlotte hospital tips to fight respiratory illnesses
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, such as cough, fever or fatigue, to contact their primary care provider for more information. Urgent care and virtual visits are another option at Novant and Atrium.
Additional information is available online at NovantHealth.org/PrimaryNow or gohealthuc.com/novant for urgent care and virtual care options. 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.
