CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Atrium Health is scaling back its temporary masking and visitor restriction policies after a steady decrease in respiratory illness cases.
Beginning at 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, all Atrium Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist locations will lift masking and visitor restrictions that have been in place since January.
βWhile respiratory viral season started late this year and we saw high rates of flu and RSV cases, we have seen a sustained and progressive decrease in the respiratory viral infection in our communities and hospitals over the past several weeks,β said Dr. Katie Passaretti, chief infection prevention officer for Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part. βWhile this year’s season is coming to a close, we must remain vigilant and responsive to any potential changes. Our focus remains on providing safe and effective care to all patients, and this decision is a testament to our collective efforts in combating infectious diseases.β
Masks are now optional, and children 12 and under will again be able to visit area hospitals.
The following exceptions remain in place:
- Anyone with respiratory symptoms should not visit and masking is required for all individuals in high-risk patient areas when indicated by signage and for symptomatic patients if outside their patient room.
