Because of an increase in flu activity in the South Lake Tahoe area, Barton Health is taking appropriate precautions to protect patients. According to a news release, effective Friday, Jan. 25, Barton Memorial Hospital has implemented the following guidelines for hospital visitors, during the height of flu season:
— Anyone under the age of 12 is not permitted to visit patients.
— Siblings of newborn infants may be allowed in Perinatal Services [Family Birthing Center] after careful screening, but must remain in the patient room at all times.
— No more than two (2) visitors per patient at any one time.
— Any individual with a fever, cough, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms may not visit patients at the hospital.
— Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis, such as visiting a terminally ill patient.
For more information about the flu, visit www.bartonhealth.org/flu.