MercyOne announces new visitation guidelines as RSV spikes in community

(ABC 6 News) – MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center has announced new visitation guidelines as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to spike in the community.

MercyOne says the new guidelines and procedures are continually being refined in an effort to ensure the best care and safety of patients and children as RSV and other respiratory illnesses spread.

The following guidelines have been implemented and are currently in effect.

  • Visitors under the age of 18 will NOT be accepted on the following units:
    • ICU, 6W, 5W, 4W, 4E, Birth Center and Pediatrics
      Exceptions will be made for extraordinary circumstances, including severe illness of a parent or sibling and end of life visitations.
  • Birth Center visitors are limited to 1 support person.
  • Pediatric unit visitors are limited to 2 designated guardians.

The latest numbers from the Iowa Department of Public Health show 938 positive cases of RSV for the week ending Nov. 12, that’s up from 810 the week prior.

To learn more about the new MercyOne visitation guidelines, CLICK HERE.