Maria Parham Health Lifts Temporary Visitor Restrictions as Flu Activity Declines

Maria Parham Health has lifted its temporary visitor restrictions following a decline in influenza and flu-like illnesses across the community and throughout North Carolina. The change took effect Monday, March 9.

With the restrictions lifted, the hospital has restored its standard visitation hours, visitor limits and age requirements.

“Lifting visitation restrictions at our hospital is an important step for our patients and their recovery,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “We’re encouraged to see flu activity declining in our community, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding shown by our patients, families and staff while these temporary precautions were in place.”

Although visitor restrictions have been lifted, hospital leaders emphasize that protecting vulnerable patients remains a priority. Visitors are asked to continue practicing several important safety measures while in the hospital:

• Stay home if sick, especially if experiencing symptoms of a viral respiratory infection.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer before and after entering patient rooms and throughout the visit.
• Follow masking and respiratory hygiene guidance, including covering coughs and sneezes and following any personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations for patients under standard or isolation precautions.

Hospital officials thank the community for helping protect patients and caregivers during the temporary restrictions.

For questions about visitation policies, please contact the hospital directly.