Beginning Monday, March 8, all area hospitals will return to normal visiting policies. Visitors of any age will be permitted within Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, including siblings of newborns who are under the age of 18.

In October, 18 area hospitals collectively restricted minors from visiting hospital patients to limit the spread of the H1N1 virus. Medical evidence suggested children under 18 to be likely carriers of the illness. The restriction was put into place when H1N1 flu activity was widespread in the U.S.

Hospital administrators and public health officials will continue monitoring flu levels in the region for indications of an increase. In the event that these levels rise again, area hospitals are prepared to implement the visitation restrictions in the best interest of public safety.

View the previously issued press release:

Area hospitals announce collective visiting policy change for children as precaution against spread of flu