The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Hospitals restrict visitors

Visitors to flu-stricken patients at local hospitals now face new restrictions by hospital officials.

Officials from the UI Hospitals and Clinics, Mercy Hospital, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center announced their decision Oct. 23 as a response to the record-breaking number of emergency-room visits from patients with flu-symptoms.

Under the new policy, patients are only allowed two adult visitors, neither of whom can show any signs of infection. In addition, no one under 18 will be allowed in the patient-care area, because UI spokesman Tom Moore said, minors have a higher risk of being infected.

The approach has previously been implemented by St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Sarah Corizzo, St. Luke’s media-relations specialist, said the Linn County Health Department recommended officials restrict visitation.

“I have been told that other hospitals have done similar things,” she said. “It does have the tendency to reduce illnesses.”

— by Scott Raynor

More to Discover