Franciscan Health updates hospital visitor restrictions for central Indiana

With increasing activity of respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV, Franciscan Health hospitals in Indianapolis, Mooresville, and Carmel are implementing updated visitation restrictions.

These changes only affect inpatient areas and do not apply to outpatient departments. The following policy took effect Tuesday, Dec. 17:

• Visitors must be at least 18 years of age.
• Only two visitors per patient are allowed to visit at a time (excluding clergy who are part of the care team).
• If visiting a patient who has respiratory symptoms, visitors are asked to keep a mask on and do not visit the cafeteria, coffee, and gift shops or waiting rooms.
• Those having symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including, but not limited to: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, and vomiting, will not be allowed to visit.
• Visitors should continue to practice good hand hygiene.
• Visitation hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The updated policies are being implemented with input from Franciscan Alliance leadership and in accordance with guidelines from the CDC, Indiana Department of Health, and Marion County Health Department.

Franciscan Health urges everyone age six months and older to get a flu shot as the first and most important step for protecting against flu viruses.