orvallis, Ore.-based Samaritan Health Services hospitals will limit visitors to its birthing centers starting Nov. 15, to protect mothers and newborns from potential flu viruses, according to the NewsGuard.
New mothers and pediatric patients are allowed four visitors during the entirety of their hospital stay. Visitors 12 and under will not be allowed in the centers or pediatric units unless they are the healthy sibling of a newborn or pediatric patient.
Children and pregnant women are considered high-risk categories for influenza complications. Hospitals hope to reduce potential exposure to these risks by limiting visitors to birthing centers and pediatric units.
The visitor restrictions will continue till the end of flu season. The new policy will affect Lincoln City, Ore.-based Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital and Newport, Ore.-based Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital.
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