Atrium Health Navicent will lift its temporary masking and visitor restrictions at all locations starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, following a steady decline in respiratory illness cases among patients and staff. Children aged 12 and under will also be allowed to visit area hospitals again.
Masks will become optional for visitors, though they remain available. Certain exceptions continue: individuals with respiratory symptoms, fever, or rash should not visit; masks are required in high-risk patient areas as indicated by signage and for symptomatic patients outside their rooms.
“With respiratory illness rates continuing to decrease over the past several weeks, we’re easing temporary restrictions, while staying ready to respond to any potential changes,” said Dr. Katie Passaretti, chief infection prevention officer for Advocate Health, which includes Atrium Health Navicent. “Our priority is safe, effective care, and while we are easing these restrictions, we continue to remind our communities about the importance of staying home when showing signs of illness. Together we can keep more people healthy and limit the spread of illness.”
Health professionals recommend preventive actions such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizer, avoiding touching the face with hands, and staying home when feeling sick. Atrium Health Navicent encourages patients and community members to consult providers about keeping up-to-date with recommended vaccines.
Atrium Health Navicent is a leading healthcare provider in central and south Georgia. It offers care in 53 specialties across more than 50 facilities throughout the region as part of Advocate Health—a large nonprofit health system headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The organization has served the community for over 130 years through quality care initiatives and partnerships.
Advocate Health operates under various names depending on location—Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama; Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin—and serves nearly six million patients nationally. It employs more than 160,000 staff across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care sites.
According to the official website, the Macon County Chamber of Commerce supports workforce development initiatives that drive regional growth while working to advance economic vitality and enhance quality of life within Macon County. The Chamber provides networking opportunities, advocacy resources, events for business connections, educational programs for community engagement,and focuses on economic development.
For further information about Atrium Health Navicent services or updates on policies visit www.NavicentHealth.org.
