VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Visitors to the Union Health campuses in Terre Haute and Clinton should expect newly activated restrictions due to a rise in COVID-19 and RSV in the area.
According to Dr. Rebecca Lynch, Chief Medical Officer at Union Health, as much as 15% of patients admitted to its hospitals are there for R.S.V, Influenza, or COVID-19.
“We have patients admitted with COVID, RSV, and flu, all currently right now, and I would say the numbers are relatively close,” Lynch said. “COVID is not the highest number of patients admitted with respiratory illnesses, so I think that’s important to emphasize here in Terre Haute that we are seeing quite a bit of the other viruses on the rise as well.”
In a news release, officials said the restrictions will go into effect immediately as of Thursday.
The restrictions are as follows;
- Visiting hours are 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or older
- Number of visitors are now limited, depending on the area of the hospital
“For the safety of our patients, any visitor or employee experiencing any respiratory symptoms should not enter any Union Health facility, unless seeking medical treatment,” the release reads.
Anyone experiencing respiratory illness is required to wear a mask upon arriving at any Union Health facility. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks, practice proper handwashing hygiene, cough etiquette and are asked to remain socially distant when possible.
Self-screening for symptoms of illness remains a requirement for all visitors and employees.
Symptoms include, but not limited to:
- Fever (100.4 or greater)
- Shortness of Breath
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Muscle or Body Aches
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Unexplained or Unusual Fatigue
- In the past 10 days, if you’ve been in close contact with someone known to be positive for respiratory illness or have had symptoms consistent with respiratory illness.
Officials thanked residents for their cooperation in these policies as the organization transitions to limited visitation with the current high level of circulating viruses.
