El Centro Regional Medical Center has announced visiting restrictions to prevent the spread of the flu.
Effectively immediately , visitors are limited to one family member per patient and no one under the age of 16. The hospital says the steps are necessary to prevent the spread of flu to patients. Louise Kenney , Chief Nursing Officer at ECRMC , said , " For the safety of patients and staff , ECRMC is restricting visitors , however individuals who need medical attention for flu-like symptoms should continue to seek care from ECRMC or its outpatient facilities." To reduce the risk to uninfected patients these restrictions apply:
People with flu-like symptoms , or under the age of 16 , should not visit loved ones who are hospitalized at ECRMC.
People with flu-like symptoms should not come to their loved ones outpatient appointments at ECRMC clinics, or come with them to the Emergency Room , if at all possible.
Anyone with flu-like symptoms - whether they are a patient or visitor - must wear a mask while they are at ECRMC facility. Masks are available at entrances.
Exceptions to these restrictions can be granted by the patients team.
ECRMC staff must either have been vaccinated against the flu or must wear a mask within hospital premises.