MOUNT VERNON — Due to the high number of influenza cases in the area and to protect patients, their families and staff, Knox Community Hospital is temporarily limiting visitors to the hospital.
Effective Nov. 1, visitation for inpatients is restricted to those 18 years of age and older provided they are flu-free (no fever, cough or cold). Additionally, only two visitors per patient are permitted at this time.
These restrictions do not apply to anyone younger than 18 who come to KCH or Knox Medical Pavilion for medical attention. The emergency department also continues to serve patients of all ages.
All visitors are encouraged to use surgical masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer available throughout the hospital to protect themselves, as well as to limit further exposure to others in the building. Visitors who appear to have flu-like symptoms will be requested to leave the hospital as a precautionary measure. Again, this is for safety reasons.
Individuals who have appointments for outpatient testing at the hospital or at the Knox Medical Pavilion are requested, if at all possible, to make arrangements for child care so as to limit exposing young children to the flu virus.
General visiting hours in the hospital are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Frequent hand washing and covering a cough or sneeze with the inside of a person’s elbow is strongly encouraged.
