Atrium Health Navicent Eases Masking and Visitor Policies Amid Decline in Respiratory Illnesses
After observing a steady decrease in respiratory illness cases among our patients and teammates, beginning at 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, all Atrium Health Navicent locations are lifting temporary masking and visitor restrictions in place since January. Additionally, children 12 and under will again be able to visit area hospitals.
Masks are optional and continue to be available for visitors. The following exceptions remain in place: Anyone with respiratory symptoms should not visit and masking is required for all individuals in high-risk patient areas when indicated by signage and for symptomatic patients if outside their patient room.
“After seeing high rates of flu and RSV cases this winter, we have seen a sustained and progressive decline in respiratory viral infections in the past several weeks,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Walker. “While the number of cases have decreased, we must remain vigilant and ready to respond to any potential changes. Atrium Health Navicent remains committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all patients, and this decision is a testament to our collective efforts in combating infectious diseases.”
To reduce the chances of getting sick from respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu or RSV, health care leaders recommend practicing good hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, and stay home if you feel unwell. Atrium Health Navicent continues to encourage all patients and the community to stay up to date with all recommended vaccines.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 130-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.