St. Charles lifts flu-season visitor restrictions

Based on the latest surveillance and tracking data of influenza cases in Central Oregon and the state, St. Charles Health System said Tuesday it has decided to lift the visitor restrictions at St. Charles hospitals and clinics, effective immediately.

“We greatly appreciate our community’s help and understanding as we worked to reduce the spread of influenza and protect our patients during the height of flu season,” said Kari Coe, infection prevention manager for St. Charles. “It appears that flu season is starting to wind down, and we are pleased to be able to lift the visitor restrictions at this time.”

The flu kiosks will remain in place at the doors of each hospital and visitors will continue to be encouraged to sanitize their hands when entering the facilities.

“We continue to ask visitors to please stay home if they are sick or if their children are ill and to not visit patients,” Coe said. “We want to continue protecting our patients and caregivers, especially since influenza season has slowed, but is not yet over.”