With increasing activity of respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV, Franciscan Health hospitals in Lafayette, Crawfordsville and Rensselaer are implementing new visitation restrictions.
The following policy goes into effect on Tuesday:
• Visitors must be at least 18 years of age.
• If visiting a patient who has respiratory symptoms, visitors are asked to keep a mask on and do not visit the cafeteria, coffee & gift shops or waiting rooms.
• Those having symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including, but not limited to: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea, tiredness, headache and vomiting, will not be allowed to visit.
• Visitors should continue to practice good hand hygiene.
The new policies are being implemented with input from Franciscan Alliance leadership and in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and Indiana Department of Health.
The rate of influenza-like illness reported in patients has increased across the state. ILI is defined as a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater with a cough and/or sore throat.
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.
