Saint Francis Medical Center tightening visitation rules to address H1N1

Saint Francis Medical Center is tightening the rules for its younger visitors.

Visitors under the age of 15 are not allowed in patient rooms until the number of area flu cases decreases, said hospital spokeswoman Emily Sikes. Children are, however, allowed in the lobby and waiting areas, she said.

The policy went into effect Friday in response to the H1N1 virus, Sikes said. She said children in that age group are stronger carriers and more at risk for getting the virus. Exceptions can be made for patients and their families in certain circumstances, Sikes said.

Mark Bliss, spokesman for Southeast Missouri Hospital, said the hospital is not enacting a similar policy. He said the hospital does not screen visitors but they should take their own precautions.

"We request that if visitors are ill, they do not visit," he said.

Masks, tissues and hand sanitizer are available in the lobby to help avoid spreading illnesses, he said.

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center started vaccinating students in public and private schools throughout the county Wednesday. Nurses will vaccinate kindergartners and first-grade students first and continue administering vaccines to the older grades as supplies are available.

The Cape Girardeau School District is scheduled to receive its first round of vaccines today. Health care workers and first responders were the first to receive the vaccines when they arrived in Cape Girardeau County two weeks ago.

President Barack Obama declared a health emergency over the weekend to give hospitals and health professionals more leeway with federal regulations to respond to the illness. And on Sunday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Congress would be happy to provide additional support and money on a bipartisan basis, if the need arises.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

abusch@semissourian.com

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Pertinent addresses:

211 Saint Francis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

1701 Lacey St. Cape Girardeau, MO