Flu Outbreak Results in Tightened Visitation Rules at St. Mary's

WALLA WALLA – Due to a surge of flu cases in the community, Providence St. Mary has implemented a restricted visitation policy to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Visitors must be either members of the immediate family (spouses, partners, and children) or individuals 18 or older. Healthy siblings may visit in the Birth Center but must report to the nurse’s station to be assessed first.

All patients are restricted to two visitors, total, in the entire hospital at one time. This is intended to discourage large groups of people from being in waiting rooms, cafeterias, and public areas.

Visitors accompanying patients for Providence Medical Group clinic or diagnostic appointments who have a cough of influenza-like symptoms will be given a mask to wear and are asked to use good hygiene to protect others.

The restrictions will remain in place until the incidence of flu declines in the community.