x
Breaking News
More () »

Novant Health restricting visitors as respiratory illnesses surge statewide

"RSV is really hard this season, we are seeing a lot of sick kids," Morgan Hunt with Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital said.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Novant Health is restricting young visitors under age 13 from its hospitals starting Tuesday, Dec. 19.

This is all because of the uptick in respiratory illnesses happening in the Carolinas and across the country – the flu has already taken 14 lives in North Carolina. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. 

Atrium Health continues to have similar restrictions in place for visitors and now Novant Health is following the same precaution. 

RELATED: Amid rise in flu, RSV cases, Atrium Health is restricting visitors

Morgan Hunt with Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital said there are already enough pediatric parents at the hospital.

"RSV is really hard this season, we are seeing a lot of sick kids," she said. "Some requiring our pediatric ICU for more breathing support and things like that, so it’s just so important to be able to protect your kids when you can."

Click here to sign up for the daily WCNC Charlotte newsletter.

Hunt said continuing to practice good hygiene with your kids and staying up to date on vaccines is extremely important. 

Right now, there’s no masking requirement for Novant Health’s facilities, but visitors may be asked to wear one in certain situations.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookX and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.   
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 


Before You Leave, Check This Out