Triangle hospitals limit patient visitors amid rise of respiratory illnesses

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Because of the rise of respiratory illnesses in the Triangle, several hospitals are limiting patient visitations. This includes all Duke University Health System hospitals and surgery centers, and all UNC hospitals and UNC Health Rex.

Duke Health

These new restrictions will go into effect Monday.

During the day, patients will be limited to two people visiting 12 years old and up. Overnight visitors must be at least 18 years old "unless they are the parent or caregiver of a pediatric patient," according to hospital officials. Those with a fever, cough and other flu-like symptoms should stay home.

These restrictions are part of Duke's multi-step approach to prevent the spread of Flu, RSV and COVID-19.

Duke Health also urges visitors to wear masks and wash their hands frequently. Masks and hand hygiene stations are throughout the buildings.

"Restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed as cases of respiratory illnesses decline in the Triangle," DUHS said Friday.

UNC Hospitals

For all UNC Hospitals and the UNC Faculty Physicians inpatient location, these age-based restrictions will go into effect Monday.

Visitors aged 11 years old and younger are not allowed in inpatient areas and waiting rooms. Healthy visitors of any age are allowed in the lobbies and retail/food locations. However, visitors with any respiratory symptoms are prohibited in these areas.

Exceptions may be necessary and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, according to UNC Health.

Hospital workers are required to wear masks inEmergency Departments, Adult and Pediatric ICUs, Adult and Pediatric Stepdown units, and Adult and Pediatric Oncology units. Masks are strongly encouraged for patients and visitors in these areas as well.

UNC Health Rex

These restrictions are in effect Wednesday at both the main Raleigh campus and Holly Springs campus.

Visitors aged 11 years old and younger are not allowed in inpatient areas, the Emergency Department and waiting rooms.

Hospital workers are required to wear masks during patient care activities in the ED, all ICUs and 5E (oncology). Masks are also strongly encouraged for patients and visitors.

"These temporary precautions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of our patients and teammates," UNC Health officials said. "We recognize the strain that such restrictions can place on our patients and their loved ones. Leadership and infectious diseases experts will continue to monitor the infection data and either escalate or de-escalate precautions based on data."