Another Charlotte hospital announces visitor restrictions due to COVID, flu & RSV cases

Chyna Blackmon
·2 min read

More hospitals and health care centers across Charlotte are temporarily restricting visitors because of an uptick in COVID-19, the flu and RSV cases.

Beginning Dec. 19, Novant Health officials announced that kids under 13 are asked to stay home and not visit any of its hospitals, unless under special circumstances.

“In all of the communities we serve, we are observing an increase in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases,” said Dr. David Priest, senior vice president, and chief safety and quality officer, Novant Health. “We appreciate the community’s help in taking extra care when visiting our facilities this respiratory virus season as we work to protect our patients.”

Novant Health has not reinstated its mask requirement, so visitors do not have to wear one. However, you’re still encouraged to wear one in some situations.

“People ages 13 years and older who are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough should not visit patients being treated at area hospitals,” Novant Health officials said. “However, people who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction but will be asked to wear a mask.”

Novant Health ICU team members gather outside a patient’s room to discuss the patient’s progress and treatment options.
Novant Health ICU team members gather outside a patient’s room to discuss the patient’s progress and treatment options.

Atrium also has restrictions

Novant Health isn’t the only health system that is restricting visitors.

Atrium Health announced temporary restrictions earlier this month for kids 12-years-old and younger in hospitals, behavioral health and inpatient rehabilitation locations until further notice, unless under certain circumstances until further notice, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Visitors are also now required to wear masks when visiting patients in high-risk settings.

[RELATED: Is it COVID, RSV or the flu? What symptoms to look for and how to tell the difference]

COVID, RSV and flu cases in NC

COVID-19, RSV and flu cases haven’t just gone up in North Carolina, but are spreading across the country.

While respiratory illnesses are common during the fall and winter, health officials say illnesses have started later so we likely haven’t seen the peak of respiratory illness activity.

“Respiratory illness activity is rapidly increasing across the United States, yet vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low,” the Center for Disease Control and Prevention previously said.

“Millions of people may get sick in the next month or two, and low vaccination rates means more people will get more severe disease. Getting vaccinated now can help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.”