PCH lifts age restriction

Thursday, April 1, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County Hospital has lifted the age restriction put in place last October.

"Dr. Heavin and the local board of health feel confident that we are safe to lift the age restriction at this time, not that 'flu season' has passed," said Joni Perkins, RN, director of nursing at PCH.

With the concern of an H1N1 flu epidemic, the administrative team felt it was necessary to put into place a temporary policy that recommended children under the age of 16 refrain from visiting the hospital during the flu's peak months.

"Our goal has always been to ensure our patients' safety," CEO Dennis Weatherford said. "The temporary age restriction was put into place to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, and we feel that this was accomplished."

There were zero confirmed cases of H1N1 documented in Putnam County, according to the local board of health.

"We still encourage residents to take precautions, as it is still possible to contract the virus. However, the risk is much lass than it was late last year," Perkins said.

The Centers for Disease control still recommends frequent hand washing and covering of mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Please visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov for more information.

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