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10/19/2009

VISITOR RESTRICTION AT MERITCARES TWO FARGO HOSPITAL LOCATIONS

As of today, Monday, Oct. 19, MeritCare is restricting visitors to its two Fargo hospital locations because of the prevalence of H1N1 flu in the community, and to protect its hospitalized patients from exposure.

Fargo, N.D. – As of today, Monday, Oct. 19, MeritCare is restricting visitors to its two Fargo hospital locations because of the prevalence of H1N1 flu in the community, and to protect its hospitalized patients from exposure. Only immediate family members who do not have flu-like symptoms may visit hospitalized patients. Immediate family members include:
  • Parents
  • Spouse or significant other
  • In-laws
  • Grandparents
  • Children over the age of 18 (includes patients children, siblings and grandchildren); children under the age of 18 are not be allowed to visit.
Clergy who do not have flu-like symptoms are also able to visit. In addition, when patients come to MeritCare's emergency center in downtown Fargo to be seen, they can only bring one person with them. Infection control manager Joan Cook said, "We understand that restricting visitors can be difficult for patients and families, but we're doing this to keep our hospitalized patients, many whom are quite ill, as safe as possible."