From Local Sources

JASPER — In response to the ongoing high amount of influenza cases nationwide and in the Tri-State area, the hospital members of the Community Patient Safety Coalition — which includes Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper — have decided to continue the unified hospital visitation restrictions for the foreseeable future.

The restrictions include:

• No visitors with influenza-like symptoms in the hospitals. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting or diarrhea.

• No visitors under the age of 15.

• No visitors other than immediate family or other significant persons as defined by the patient.

Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently while in the hospital and wear protective face masks when instructed. Exceptions to these restrictions may be made for cases involving critically ill patients and end-of-life situations, and in some cases, healthy family members of newborns. These restrictions were developed using recommendations from the Vanderburgh County Health Department.

The flu can cause serious complications and even death, especially in the very young, the elderly and those with certain existing medical conditions. These measures are being taken in an effort to protect patients, families, and hospital staff. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.

In addition to Memorial Hospital, Community Patient Safety Coalition hospitals include: Daviess Community Hospital, Deaconess Health System, Evansville Surgery Center, Gibson General Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation, Methodist Health, Select Specialty Hospital, St. Vincent Evansville, St. Vincent Warrick, St. Vincent Orthopedic Hospital and The Women’s Hospital