Perry County Memorial Hospital Limits Visitors Amid Rise in Respiratory Viruses

Perry County Memorial Hospital posted on social media that effective immediately it will bar visitors with respiratory or viral symptoms and restrict visitation at its Tell City facility as influenza and other respiratory viruses rise across the Tri-State area. The social-media notice was carried by WEHT in Henderson, Ky., which reported, "According to a post on social media, the restrictions will take effect immediately and is anticipated to remain for the next few weeks."

Local coverage from WEVV in Tell City, reported by Mike Mohundro, set out the hospital's symptom policy: "Under the updated guidelines, visitors who are experiencing respiratory or viral symptoms are not permitted inside the hospital." WEVV reproduced the symptom list verbatim: "a fever greater than 100.4 degrees, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue."

WEVV and WEHT both report age and visitor limits at the Tell City facility. WEVV quoted hospital guidance that "No visitors under the age of 16 will be allowed, and visitation will be limited to two visitors per patient per day." That wording differs from the hospital's own web pages, which are branded Perry County Community Hospital and state, "You can have a maximum of two visitors at any one time" and "Children under the age of 12 require special permission by patient's nurse to visit patient rooms."

The two sources also differ on how long the tightened rules will last. WEHT relayed the social-media language that the restrictions "is anticipated to remain for the next few weeks," while WEVV noted "the hospital did not indicate how long the restrictions will remain in place." Both outlets tied the policy change to a regional uptick in respiratory illness activity across the Tri-State area.

The hospital's visitor guidance reiterates routine infection-prevention steps. WEVV and WEHT reported that "Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently while in the facility and to wear protective face masks when instructed." The Perry County Community Hospital website lists visiting hours as "Sunday - Saturday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m." and instructs, "If you've got a fever, cold, or any infection symptoms, please stay home."

WEVV's report also relayed the hospital's risk messaging: "Hospital officials noted that influenza and other respiratory illnesses can lead to serious complications and even death, particularly among young children, older adults and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions." A Facebook post captured by local outlets carried the headline, "Perry County Memorial Hospital Implements Visitor Restrictions In Response To Virus/Respiratory Illness."

Hospital officials told local media the temporary measures are intended to protect patients, visitors, family members and staff as cases rise; the hospital has not, in WEVV's reporting, provided a single, confirmed duration or clarified how its emergency visitor-age cutoff interacts with the standing website policy.