SVMC Makes Changes To Visitor Policy

With the activity level of the H1N1 flu widespread, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has temporarily changed its visitor policy starting Wednesday, November 11. Visitors will be allowed to enter only through the hospital’s main entrance with visitation hours limited from 8 am to 8 pm. The number of visitors is restricted to two per patient at any time.
People age 18 and under are not allowed to visit. Children should not accompany adults who are coming to SVMC for an outpatient service. These changes do not apply to children who are at SVMC for treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the H1N1 flu to be the predominant flu strain this flu season. Several groups have been identified as having a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with the H1N1 flu, including pregnant women and children ages six months to 24 years. Locally, several schools have been closed and reported cases of the flu have increased in the community because someone is contagious before showing symptoms of the flu. Limiting visitors is the best way to protect our patients as well as our visitors.
For the safety of your family, friends and others, take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from catching or spreading the virus. The CDC recommends social distancing and avoiding public settings where the flu may be easily spread. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water – it’s the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of any contagious disease. Avoid touching your mouth and eyes, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, not into your hand or the air.