BLOOMINGTON— Starting Monday, Jan. 6, Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital will enforce new visitor guidelines and restrictions in response to an uptick in respiratory illnesses in the community. The hospital announced these measures will remain in place until viral illness rates decline.
Under the new guidelines, all visitors to the hospital must be 18 years or older and free from any respiratory symptoms. Some hospital units may implement additional restrictions or requirements, and special accommodations may be made for younger visitors in certain circumstances, such as end-of-life situations. These exceptions will be determined at the administrator’s discretion on call, in consultation with the hospital’s infection prevention team.
In a statement, IU Health’s Infection Prevention team advised visitors to wear masks while providing direct patient care, as the area is experiencing high levels of circulating viruses.
Recent wastewater testing for Monroe County, conducted by WastewaterSCAN, has shown elevated levels of several viruses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), coronavirus, and Norovirus. The Monroe County Health Department confirmed the findings, contributing to the hospital’s decision to tighten visitor policies.
Norovirus, also known as the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” is a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal distress and is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In light of these health concerns, IU Health Bloomington Hospital is urging both visitors and staff to take precautions to help reduce the spread of these viral illnesses, ensuring the safety of patients and the broader community.
