FREE ACCESS: Hospital announces visitor restrictions

Greene County General Hospital has implemented a temporary visitor restriction after an increase in inpatient influenza cases.

The restrictions will protect patients, staff and visitors from unnecessary exposure to the highly contagious respiratory virus.

Effective immediately, visitation will be restricted as follows:

• No visitors who have had fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea in the previous 24 hours

• No visitors under the age of 16 (Siblings who are not exhibiting flu symptoms will be allowed to visit new babies, however, children may be screened for illness before being allowed to visit.)

These restrictions are for visitation only, and do not apply to patients receiving services or attending scheduled appointments.

In addition, all visitors are asked to wash or sanitize hands frequently while at the hospital. Hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout the hospital, in patient rooms, and in restrooms. Hand hygiene is the best and easiest way to control infection, whether at the hospital, or at home.

All GCGH employees receive a mandatory, annual flu vaccine to protect patients and staff. Anyone who has not received a flu vaccine can still benefit from its protection. Flu shots are accessible at primary care physician offices, at all My Clinics locations, drug stores, and the Greene County Health Department.

A list of primary care providers is available on the hospital’s website at GreeneCountyHosptial.com/services/primary-care-clinic/.