URBANA, Ill. – As all Carle Health service areas throughout central and southeastern Illinois face increasing rates of respiratory illness, the health system is taking temporary precautions in line with the comprehensive viral respiratory prevention and control recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The updated guidelines include limiting patient room visitors to two at a time. Visitors must also be 18-years-old or older. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in Carle facilities.
These temporary precautions support a safer care environment at Carle Health facilities as the most impactful portion of the respiratory illness season continues. Carle Health team members will also be taking steps and extra precautions to limit spread.
“Carle Health continuously monitors the rate of RSV, flu, COVID-19 and other infections in the areas we serve and have seen a steady incline over the past weeks,” Robert Healy, MD, Carle Health Quality, Patient Safety and Patient Experience chief associate medical director said. “Based on this data and the recommendations of IDPH and CDC, taking additional, temporary precautions in our care facilities is necessary to reduce the spread of illness.”
Carle Health will continue to evaluate respiratory illness rates and provide an update when levels reach a point where the temporary restrictions can be lifted. Taking these measures will help the community stay well, especially those most at risk like the young, elderly and immunocompromised.
Carle Health encourages all community members to stay mindful throughout the season to maintain good hand hygiene, wear a mask when symptomatic, stay home when feeling ill, and to stay up to date on vaccines.
For more information about visitor guidelines at Carle Health facilities, visit carle.org.
Comments