Detroit Medical Center adds visitor restrictions at hospitals as flu spreads

DETROIT – New visitor guidelines were in place at Detroit Medical Center starting Monday due a rise in flu cases and activity, officials announced.

New visitation restrictions have been put in place for all DMC facilities, including the children’s hospitals, as of Monday, Dec. 18. Officials say the guidelines have been updated for “the safety and care” of patients amid a “period of increased influenza activity in the community.”

As of Monday, the following guidelines were in effect, according to DMC:

• All patients are allowed up to two visitors at one time.

• Visitors ages 12 and under, including siblings and other relatives, will not be allowed on inpatient hospital floors or in the observation units.

• Visitors ages 13 and over who have a fever, cough or rash are asked to choose another time to visit. This applies to both private and semi-private rooms.

• Visitors who exhibit illness or cold symptoms are encouraged to visit during a period of wellness.

Officials said that any hospitals or medical centers that already have more restrictive guidelines in place will continue to use those guidelines instead of the new ones.

Health officials say “influenza activity” is currently increasing rapidly across Michigan. Other respiratory illnesses, including COVID and RSV, were also said to be on the rise in Michigan and elsewhere in recent weeks.

Last week, Corewell Health announced that three of its Beaumont hospitals in Metro Detroit would be restricting visitors for pediatric patients due to a rise in respiratory illnesses in the hospitals and throughout the community.

Also from last week: What’s Going Around per Metro Detroit county: Respiratory illnesses, RSV, strep throat