As flu cases spike, local hospital adjusts visiting policies
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia and South Carolina are among a band of the worst-hit states as flu cases continue to rise in our community.
Starting Tuesday, Wellstar MCG Health is adjusting its visitation policies due to the spike in flu cases.
“Often, these and other respiratory illnesses begin spreading through schools and child-care facilities first. Our younger patients and guests are at greater risk if they are exposed to the flu,” Wellstar said in an announcement.
Under these guidelines, children under age 18 may not visit higher than the second floor of either the adult hospital or the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, or in patient care areas unless they are patients or attending a clinic appointment within the hospital.
Dr. Rodger Macarthur of the Medical College of Georgia said: “As bad as it is in Georgia right now, it’s even worse in South Carolina. South Carolina is super high activity. They also started later, but they’ve caught up pretty much already to last year.”
Exceptions are made under these guidelines:
- Children under the age of 18 who are cleared to be above the second floor receive a blue sticker at hospital entrances.
- Playrooms are closed and group activities have been postponed in the Children’s Hospital.
- Labor and Delivery have limited visitation times for siblings until this guidance is lifted. Siblings under 18 years old who have been medically screened and do not have symptoms may visit their mother and new sibling in the mother’s room between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. They may not stay overnight. Siblings will need to be screened each day before visiting.
- Children may attend clinic appointments as usual. Hand washing and masking are recommended.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
