Visiting Restrictions Still in Place at Blessing, Ilini Hospitals

With a spike in flu cases in the region, two area hospitals have reaffirmed visiting restrictions put in place in December.

Officials with Blessing Hospital in Quincy and Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield confirm that children 16 years of age or under should not be in either hospital unless they need outpatient care, or a scheduled test, procedure or therapy.

Also, children 16 or under may visit a family member who is a patient at the end of their life.

Officials say the goal of these restrictions is to reduce the risk of exposure for both children and hospitalized patients to the flu virus.

These restrictions are in compliance with the recommendation of the Illinois Department of Public Health for all hospitals in the Peoria region, which includes Quincy and Pittsfield.