In response to increasing respiratory illness rates across the region, Carle Health has announced new safety measures effective January 13, urging all patients and visitors experiencing respiratory symptoms to wear masks within their facilities. This directive coincides with the enforcement of stricter visitor regulations to minimize the spread of viral infections.

Under the new guidelines, visitors to any Carle hospital must be 18 years or older, with a limit of two visitors permitted in a patient’s room at any one time. These measures aim to protect the community, particularly vulnerable groups such as the young, elderly, and immunocompromised.

Starting Monday, masks will be recommended for those showing signs of respiratory illness, with specific requirements varying by location. The health system has also standardized visitor limits, generally allowing one to two adults per patient depending on the facility. Potential visitors and patients are advised to review the latest guidelines on Carle’s website before coming to any of their locations.

Carle Health operates a network of hospitals and clinics throughout Central Illinois, and these updated protocols align with similar precautions implemented by other local hospitals to tackle the heightened risk of illness during this period.