Providence Health is putting restrictions on visitors at eight Portland area hospitals after an increase in flu activity.
The company’s local chief of medicine, Scott Marsal, said they constantly monitor patients with flu-like symptoms, and activity is increasing.
“We’re asking that for patients hospitalized in our acute care hospitals, that they not have more than two visitors at any one time," he said.
"The aim there is to try and decrease the flow of folks from the community through our facilities where we’re forever focused on trying to protect and maximize the safety of all of our most vulnerable patients," said Marsal.
The hospitals are also asking visitors be at least 18 years of age and not suffering from flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat or cough.
The Oregon Health Authority’s latest report said flu cases are increasing, but there’s still only minimal activity.