Cape Fear Valley updates emergency department mask, visitor policies amid rise in infections

Cape Fear Valley Health is updating its masking policy in emergency departments to combat the recent increase in respiratory infections, the hospital announced Wednesday evening.

Visitors and patients are now required to wear a mask in emergency department waiting rooms, the release said. According to a Cape Fear Valley news release, the update is being enforced due to the rise in infections such as the flu, RSV and COVID-19 in the community.

Visitors aren't allowed in the Adult Emergency Department waiting room unless the patient is "65 years old or older, or is cognitively impaired, regardless of age," the release said. Those patients are allowed one visitor with them in the waiting room or triage. For other patients, one visitor will be allowed into the waiting room once the patient is given a room.

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In the Pediatric Emergency Department, one parent or guardian will be allowed to accompany their child in the waiting room, according to the release. Once assigned a room, two parents or guardians, are allowed in.

As a precaution, the hospital asks "visitors with symptoms of a fever or respiratory illness symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath, remain home" to maintain the health of patients, visitors and staff.

Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Masks required in Cape Fear Valley emergency department waiting rooms