Ascension Via Christi hospitals in Wichita are enacting temporary visitor restrictions due to respiratory illnesses prevalent in the community.
In a statement, Ascension says patients' families and friends are asked not to make in-person visits to the hospital if they have had COVID-19 in the past 10 days or are experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion or sore throat.
Until further notice, visitors must be at least 12 years of age or older except at the NewLife Center at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph, where the minimum age to visit is now 18.
Visitors are also reminded to wash their hands and/or use an alcohol-based hand rub when entering and exiting a patient’s room, a practice already in place with staff.