Thursday, March 27, 2025–12:35 p.m.
-News Release-
Atrium Health Floyd is lifting temporary masking and visitor restrictions due to a steady decrease in respiratory illnesses among patients and teammates.
The change will take effect at 7 a.m. Thursday, March 27. Additionally, children 12 and under will again be able to visit Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center, and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center.
Masks will continue to be available for visitors who wish to wear them.
There are some exceptions. Anyone with respiratory symptoms should not visit, and masking is required for all individuals in high-risk patient areas when indicated by signage and for symptomatic patients if outside their patient room.
“After a very busy respiratory season, the hospital is seeing a steady decline in the number of respiratory viral infections,” said Sheila Bennett, senior vice president and chief of patient services at Atrium Health Floyd. “Based on this steady decline, we will be lifting the heightened masking requirements. We will continue to monitor the situation and will act promptly to implement necessary infection prevention practices to keep patients, families, and teammates safe.”
“We have seen a steady decline in respiratory viral infections in the past several weeks,” said Sheila Bennett, senior vice president and chief of patient services at Atrium Health Floyd. “We will be ready to respond if there are any changes. We are committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all patients.”
To reduce the chances of getting sick from respiratory viruses, health care leaders recommend practicing good hand hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, and stay home if you are sick.
