The nationwide trend of increasing cases of respiratory illnesses has come home to roost in eastern Indiana, including Muncie, Hartford City, and Portland.  Responding to the trend, starting Monday, IU Health Ball, Blackford, and Jay hospitals will limit visitors to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, and to protect patients and employees.

Courtney Schmoll is the public relations manager of IU Health’s East Central Region.  She sent a news release Thursday saying visitor restrictions include:

• Only adult family members (18 or older) will be allowed to visit and be on the patient unit, with a limit of two visitors at any one time.
• Visitors younger than 18 years will not be permitted on patient units (exceptions made for parents/guardians younger than 18).
• Masking is required for visitors and team members in all patient encounters.
• Visitors who have flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills, or muscle aches, will not be allowed to visit patients.
• Visitors, vendors, volunteers, and team members must be vigilant about hand washing and covering coughs.

The restrictions will remain in effect until viral illness rates decline.