BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital will begin enforcing visitor guidelines and restrictions Jan. 6 because of what the hospital said is a rise in respiratory illness.
IU Health said the following restrictions will remain in effect until viral illness rates decline:
- All visitors must be 18 years or older.
- Visitors must be free of respiratory symptoms.
- Some units may have further guidelines or requirements.
- Special arrangements can be made to allow younger visitors based on circumstances, such as end of life, at the discretion of the administrator on call in consultation with the infection prevention team.
In a statement, IU Health Infection Prevention recommended wearing a mask during direct patient care due to the high levels of circulating viruses in the community.
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IU Health enacted similar standard procedures at Indianapolis-area healthcare facilities starting Dec. 16.
Wastewater testing done by WastewaterSCAN for Monroe County in December showed higher levels for RSV, Coronavirus and Norovirus, according to the Monroe County Health Department,
Norovirus, also known as the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug," is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Monroe County Health Department recommends washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, to stay home if you're feeling sick or test positive for a virus and wear a well-fitting mask.
