Salem Health announces visitor restrictions as flu cases rise in Mid-Willamette Valley

Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics has announced visitor restrictions at Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital in Dallas.

Updated Dec 18, 2019 — These visitor restrictions are meant to help keep the community safe as flu cases continue to rise.

“The health and safety of our community is our top priority,” said Julie Koch, Salem Health infection prevention manager. “The flu and other related respiratory illnesses spread quickly, and can be deadly, especially to our vulnerable patients.”

Salem Health asks hospital visitors to follow these guidelines to help protect patients, employees, and the community:

1. No visitors under the age of 12.
2. Do not visit if you are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick. You can spread the flu virus before symptoms appear.
3. Wash your hands, either with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Cover your cough/sneeze, using your sleeve or a tissue. Use a mask if you have a cough or flu-like symptoms.
5. Get your flu shot. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
6. Visit only if you need to give support or care for a patient.
7. Limit traveling around our campus as much as possible.

Salem Health provides tissues, masks, and hand hygiene supplies (like alcohol-based hand
foam) at respiratory stations across its locations for visitor safety. Salem Health thanks the community for spreading the word about these restrictions and following them when visiting its hospitals.

About Salem Health: Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit them at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” them on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow them on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view them at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.