Beacon Health 'strongly encouraging' masks due to elevated local respiratory illness

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Starting today, Feb. 7, several different Beacon Health System locations have placed restrictions on visitation due to the high transmission levels of respiratory illness in the community.

Health officials say hospital visitors must be age 18 or older, and no more than two visitors per patient at a time.

"With high levels of respiratory illnesses in our region, including COVID, RSV and flu, Beacon strongly encourages visitors wear masks during patient interactions at Beacon Children’s Hospital, Beacon Granger Hospital, Community Hospital of Bremen, Elkhart General Hospital, Memorial Epworth Center, Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Three Rivers Health Hospital," a Beacon spokesperson said.

Each facility will have masks to offer to visitors.

Masks remain optional at Beacon Medical Group locations, outpatient care offices and clinics, business offices and fitness centers, but masks should be worn if requested by a patient or staff member.

"We strongly urge you postpone your hospital visit if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness. If you must visit while experiencing mild symptoms, it is important to wear a mask and practice proper hand hygiene to protect our vulnerable hospitalized patients," the spokesperson said.

"Thank you for your support and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all our patients to receive care and to protect each other."