Hospitals Lift H1N1 Visitation Rules

By Desiree Parker Monday, March 08, 2010

After nearly five months of keeping kids from visiting in hospitals due to H1N1 fears, area hospitals are opening their doors again to young visitors.

In October, 18 area hospitals collectively restricted minors from visiting patients to limit the spread of the novel flu virus. According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control, most states are no longer restricting flu activity, and Virginia is reporting normal flu levels. Sentara released a statement Monday indicating visitation rules are now back to normal for the 18 area hospitals.

“I commend the hospitals and health systems in Hampton Roads for the extraordinary collaboration during this unique flu season to protect the community,” says State Health Commissioner Karen Remley. “I am confident these enhanced relationships will serve the community well, now and in the future.”

Area hospitals and public health officials will continue monitoring flu levels in the region for indications of increasing levels.  In the event that flu levels rise again, area hospitals are prepared to implement the visitation restrictions in the best interest of public safety, according to Sentara’s statement.

Individuals experiencing flu-like illness are still asked not to visit area hospitals.

Participating hospitals include:
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center
Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
Riverside Tappahannock Hospital
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Bayside Hospital
Sentara CarePlex Hospital
Sentara Heart Hospital
Sentara Leigh Hospital
Sentara Obici Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center