Novant Health implements visitor restrictions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Joining alongside other North Carolina health systems, starting Tuesday at 7am there will be a temporary visitor restriction at Novant Health.

As there has been a rise in RSV, flu and covid cases, children under the age of 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals unless seeking care to help reduce the spread.  

There are some circumstances when children are permitted such as if they are visiting someone who is end-of-life-care. 

Doctor at Novant family medicine Austin Sherman says their goal is to keep people healthy. If people get a respiratory illness on top of what they were already in the hospital for then their visit may be prolonged. 

“So, we try our best to, if you need to be in the hospital obviously, we want you there to get better. But our overall goal is to get people safe, home, healthy where they can do their best generally speaking. So, reducing the risk of those viral infections would definitely help with that as well,” Dr. Sherman said.  

Doctor Sherman reminds us to thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the spread of viruses and also to get vaccinated if applicable. 

Dr. Sherman tells us what we can do if we are feeling ill.  

“Reach out to your primary care provider ask say hey I don’t feel good can you see me whether that be on video visit which I do a lot of, triaging sick patients or coming into the office, wearing a mask when you are here. Trying to avoid going out and seeing other people and trying to reduce the risk of infection,” Dr. Sherman added. 

Masks are not required and still remain optional for visitors.