Novant Health will lift its temporary visitor restrictions for children under the age of 13 at its North Carolina hospitals beginning March 27 at 7 a.m. The restrictions were initially put in place due to a rise in respiratory illnesses.
Dr. David Priest, senior vice president and chief safety and quality officer at Novant Health, stated that the decision comes after observing a steady decline in both the volume and severity of respiratory illnesses in recent weeks. He also expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation in keeping patients safe during peak respiratory virus season and welcomed the return of visitors of all ages.
According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, hospitalizations from respiratory viruses increased in December. While Novant Health is now lifting restrictions, similar visitor limitations have been implemented at other hospitals across the Cape Fear region.
Health officials continue to urge the public to seek appropriate medical care when needed. Novant Health primary care and pediatric facilities offer sick visits within 24 hours, while urgent care centers and virtual doctor visits remain available.
Novant Health still advises visitors to follow basic health precautions, including staying home when sick, practicing good respiratory hygiene, and getting vaccinated against flu, RSV (for eligible children and seniors), and COVID-19.
