Ballad extends temporary visitation restrictions and staff masking

Due to increased flu and norovirus cases, Ballad Health is extending its temporary visitation restrictions and staff mask mandate. The health system announced Tuesday that both will be extended until January 21. Ballad employees and other providers must wear masks in patient care areas and during any patient interactions, regardless of their vaccination status. As part of the “enhanced” visitation restrictions, Ballad hospitals are asking people to avoid visiting patients if they have flu-like symptoms, Anyone younger than 18 and any groups of more than two adults per patient. Ballad said exceptions will be made for end-of-life patients and those in family birth or Niswonger Children’s Hospital.