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Atrium Health issued the following statement regarding flu cases and hospital visitations:

There are a lot of people sick with the flu in our area right now. Because children are more likely to be sick and not know it, we are not allowing children 12 and under to visit patients in our hospitals and select facilities. This is for the health and quality care of our patients.

In addition to these restrictions and as an extra effort to reduce the spread of germs, we kindly ask you do not bring siblings to appointments at our doctor’s offices.

We also ask anyone — no matter how old you are — not to visit patients in our hospitals if you might be sick. Help us protect our patients by not visiting them if you have:

• Fever;

• Headaches/body aches/pain;

• Cough or sore throat;

• Stuffy or runny nose; or

• Chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea

If a special need arises, there are limited, but strict exceptions that can be made, including for impending death of a parent or other close relative.

It is in the best interest of our patients if children do not visit. If there are no other options, visitors 12 and under are allowed in the waiting rooms and cafeteria with a supervised adult.

Hospitals and facilities currently affected by the tighter visitation policy include ones in the Charlotte region, including Atrium Health Stanly.

Why is there a visitation restriction in place?

At Atrium Health, we want to provide you and your loved ones with the best healthcare experience possible.

To help ensure your safety and to protect the health and quality care of our patients, we have temporarily tightened our visitation policies due to the higher than normal prevalence of influenza cases in the region. This policy is necessary to help us maintain a safe environment for our patients, employees and visitors.

Are children 12 and under allowed to visit at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital?

It is in the best interest of our patients if children do not visit. If there are no other options, visitors 12 and under will be screened in the Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital main lobby for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness.

Children permitted to visit will only be allowed in the family waiting rooms, cafeteria and common areas. These children will not be allowed in patient rooms and must be supervised by an adult at all times.

May a visitor 12 and under wait in the waiting room?

Visitors 12 and under may not visit patients admitted to the hospital. There are a few strict exceptions, including impending death of a parent or other close relative. It is in the best interest of our patients if children do not visit. If there are no other options, visitors 12 and under are allowed in the waiting rooms and cafeteria with a supervised adult.

When will the Atrium Health flu visitation policy be lifted?

Atrium Health will continue monitoring flu activity in the region and in our hospitals. We realize this policy may be a temporary inconvenience to your family, but we will do everything we can to lift the restriction as soon as it is safe for everyone. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and support.