Hospitals REMOVE Age Restrictions For Visitors
WATERLOO, IOWA (November 10, 2009) – Given the reduced prevalence of H1N1 among the pediatric population (those under age 18) in the community the temporary visitor restrictions are now lifted at Covenant Medical Center, Sartori Memorial Hospital and Mercy Oelwein. We will continue to monitor conditions and if the situation changes we will again consider all options to protect the safety of our patients, staff and visitors.
We continue to ask that all visitors need to be in good health. If a staff member sees visitors coughing or sneezing, they may request the visitor to wear a mask, or request the visitor to leave the patient care area. Visitors should refrain from visiting if they have had flu-like symptoms during the past seven day
- Those symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Occasional diarrhea or vomiting
Additionally, to help prevent the spread of illness, all visitors are required to wash hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting a patient’s room. If you are visiting an ill patient, you may be required to wear a mask. Masks are provided for your protection as well as for those around you, and to help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses.