Hospital discourages young visitors as respiratory illnesses rise

Due to the increase of respiratory illnesses in our community, UNC Health Southeastern is temporarily discouraging visitors under the age of 12 beginning Monday, January 20. If children must visit, they are encouraged to wear a mask.

“Given the current activity of respiratory illnesses in our community, it has become necessary to proactively reduce potential transmission for sick and vulnerable patients in the hospital,” said Dr. Obiefuna Okoye, director of Infection Prevention for UNC Health Southeastern. “We understand these restrictions can present some challenges for our visitors and can be difficult for children who have a loved one in the hospital.” 

Effective Monday, January 20:

• Visitors ages 11 and younger will be discouraged from visiting inpatient areas and waiting rooms.
• All visitors with respiratory symptoms are prohibited from these same areas. If you are feeling sick or have recently experienced any symptom of respiratory illnesses, please stay home.
• Healthy visitors ages 12 and older will remain welcome in our lobbies and retail/food locations and are encouraged to wear masks as appropriate.

Individuals who are sick and feel they need medical advice should contact their primary care provider or an urgent care or walk-in clinic. Always call 911 or seek care from the nearest emergency department for life-threatening conditions. For a list of affiliated urgent care and same day clinics in our area, visit https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/care-treatment/urgent-care/.