Due to a sudden influx of patients and visitors with flu-like symptoms, Officials at Garrett County Memorial Hospital have announced the implementation of vital preventive measures.

"If you come to the hospital, and you have flu-like symptoms, you must wear a mask," explained Linda Danjou, RN, MPH, GCMH Infections Control Nurse. "Visitation to all patients in the hospital will be limited to only 2 visitors per patients at a time, and those visitors may be asked to wear a mask. Visitors under the age of 12 year will not be permitted in the hospital at this time."

Emergency Department officials at the hospital also note that wait time could become lengthened as the patient volumes with flu-like symptoms increase. Emergency Department triage staff routinely screen patients to ensure that patients are treated in the order of the severity of their illnesses. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued alerts to encourage people who are only mildly ill to avoid going to emergency rooms. If concerned about any flu-like illness, patients should call their family physician or health care provider for advice and treatment. For additional information, go to www.cdc.gov.

PHOTO: Pictured is Linda Danjou, RN, MPH, GCMH Infection Control Nurse as she demonstrates the use of a mask (Beth Spencer, ED Nurse) to eliminate the spread of germs. Patients and visitors to the hospital with flu-like symptoms will be required to wear a mask in the hospital.