Memorial Health Implements Temporary Visitor Restrictions

Memorial Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions at its five hospitals in response to a statewide increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has recommended the temporary measures as respiratory illness activity increases across the state. The restrictions apply to inpatient units at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The visitor limitations do not apply to outpatient Memorial Care locations, including urgent care, primary care, laboratory, or imaging appointments.

Under the restrictions, hospital visits are limited to two visitors per patient at one time. All visitors must be at least 18 years old and show no signs of illness. Masks are encouraged but not required, and disposable masks will be available for visitors upon entry.

Memorial Health said the measures are intended to protect patients, their families, and hospital colleagues during the respiratory illness surge.

Health officials continue to recommend preventive steps such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, and wearing a mask around others when appropriate. While most people recover from respiratory illnesses within one to two weeks, the Illinois Department of Public Health notes that some individuals may experience serious or potentially life-threatening complications.

Residents seeking the most up-to-date information on respiratory illness symptoms, trends, and prevention are encouraged to visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website, which provides regularly updated, Illinois-specific data.