Bloomington hospital restricts visitors after increase in respiratory virus cases

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — An increase in respiratory virus cases has caused a Bloomington hospital to allow no one younger than 18 to visit its pediatric areas. 

IU Health Bloomington Hospital on Monday announced temporary restrictions on visitors to the labor and delivery, mother and baby, and pediatric units to limit the exposure and spread of respiratory viruses in patients.

Visitors in the pediatric unit are now limited to the patient’s parents, guardians, significant others and two additional people identified by the patients’ parents or guardians. For the other affected areas, visitors can include a significant other and two identified visitors. 

According to the hospital, the restrictions will be lifted when the chance of contracting or spreading the virus is lower.

The Toddler Tour and Sibling Preparation classes offered by the hospital have been canceled until the restrictions are lifted.