DUHS Temporarily Limits Hospital Visitors Due to Respiratory Illness Concerns
Starting Jan. 6, visitors must be over the age of 12 with no cold or flu symptoms
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DURHAM, N.C. -- Due to a significant increase of respiratory illnesses in the Triangle, all Duke University Health System hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers will temporarily limit patient visitations, effective Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Daytime visitors of hospital and ambulatory surgery patients will be limited to no more than two people aged 12 and older. Overnight visitors must be at least 18 years old unless they are the parent or caregiver of a pediatric patient.
The restrictions are part of a multi-step approach to protect patients and prevent the spread of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 across the health system.
Temporary initiatives include:
- Patients may receive no more than two visitors at one time. Additional visitor guidelines apply for some patient populations.
- Children under 12 are not permitted to visit hospitals or wards without prior approval from health care providers and for special circumstances.
- Visitors are urged to wear masks while visiting patients and to perform hand washing frequently. Masks and hand hygiene stations are available throughout the buildings and are effective against respiratory viruses.
- Visitors with fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms should remain home.
Restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed as cases of respiratory illnesses decline in the Triangle.