Franciscan Health Indianapolis is pictured in this 2020 file photo.
With increasing influenza cases and other respiratory illnesses requiring hospitalizations within the community, Franciscan Health hospitals in Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel are implementing new visitation restrictions.
Franciscan officials said the following policies went into effect today:
- Only two immediate family members as identified by a patient are allowed to visit at a time. This is excluding clergy who are part of the care team.
- Visitors must be at least 18 years of age.
- Those having symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness will not be allowed to visit.
- All visitors are required to wear hospital-approved masks. Masks must cover the mouth and nose at all times.
- Visitors should continue to observe social distancing and practice good hand hygiene.
- Visitation hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The new policies are being implemented with input from Franciscan Alliance leadership and in accordance with guidelines from the CDC, Indiana Department of Health and Marion County Health Department, hospital officials said in a press release.
During the week of Nov. 20-26, the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) reported in patients at Marion County emergency departments was the highest in 10 years. The ILI rate was highest among the 5-17 age group. ILI is defined as a temperature of 100 °F or greater with a cough and/or sore throat, hospital officials said.
Franciscan Health urges everyone age 6 months and older to get a flu shot as the first and most important step for protecting against flu viruses.
