Declining cases of flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses allow end of temporary precautions.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Based on decreasing cases of flu and other respiratory illness, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, and UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and Holly Springs will ease temporary age-based visitor restrictions.
The temporary visitor restrictions were implemented in early January to prevent further spread of respiratory illnesses, and to protect our patients, teammates and visitors. UNC Health recognizes that patients’ family members and loved ones are important to the healing process. Leadership and infectious diseases experts monitor infection data and either escalate or de-escalate precautions based on the latest data.
UNC Hospitals lifted the temporary age-based visitor restrictions for visitors aged 11 and younger effective 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 27. Rex lifted its restrictions last week.
While respiratory virus activity is currently decreasing, to keep our patients and teammates safe, visitors who are sick will not be allowed to visit inpatients. Please visit each hospitals’ website for more details or consult with the patient’s care team.
Inpatient Visitors
- Visitors will be permitted in most inpatient areas at UNC Hospitals from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- One visitor will be permitted in most inpatient areas at UNC Hospitals from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. After hours and overnight visits in the inpatient areas require nursing approval and an identification badge.
- Visitors will be asked to self-screen for illness. You should not visit if you are sick or have signs or symptoms of illness.
- UNC Hospitals may limit visits if behavior has the potential to compromise the care and safety of any patient, or if the visitor displays disruptive behavior or refuses to follow policies.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of nearly 20 hospitals and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. UNC Health provided more than $800 million in Uncompensated Charity Care during the past five years. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience.