Monroe County Hospital & Clinics is asking the public to help protect patients, families and health care staff from illness due to the onset of the flu season. Effective today, MCHC is limiting visitors to the Inpatient Unit of the hospital. These guidelines are temporary and in effect during the flu season, and are subject to change as necessary. The new guidelines are as follows:
- Visitors need to be 14 years of age and older.
- Exceptions may be made for cases involving critically-ill patients or end-of-life situations.
All visitors need to be in good health. If a staff member sees visitors coughing or sneezing, they may request the visitor to wear a mask, or request the visitor to leave the patient care area. Visitors should refrain from visiting if they have had flu-like symptoms during the past seven days. Those symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Occasional diarrhea or vomiting
Additionally, to help prevent the spread of illness, all visitors are required to wash hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting a patient’s room. If you are visiting an ill patient, you may be required to wear a mask. Masks are provided for your protection as well as for those around you, and to help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses.
The Visitation Policy will continue to be reviewed and adjusted accordingly, as needed. If you feel you have the signs and symptoms of the flu or simply feel sick, we encourage you to stay home or make an appointment to see your health care provider by calling 641.932.7172.
