Detroit Evening Report: DMC updates visitor restrictions amid rising flu cases

The Detroit Medical Center has updated its visitor policy at all DMC facilities — including Children’s Hospital of Michigan — as flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illness cases continue to rise throughout the state.

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As of Monday, Dec. 18, all patients are allowed up to two visitors at any one time. Additionally, visitors ages 12 and under will not be allowed on inpatient hospital floors or in the observation units, including siblings and other relatives.

Visitors ages 13 and over who have a fever, cough or rash are asked to choose another time to visit, applying to both private and semi-private rooms, and as always, visitors who exhibit illness or cold symptoms are asked to visit during a period of wellness.

If specific hospitals have policies that are more restrictive than the proposed guidelines, they will continue to use them, according to DMC.

Some exceptions to the new visitor restrictions policy apply and will be handled on an individual basis under the guidance of the direct care team. 

Other headlines for Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023:

• The Neighborhood Service Organization is teaming up with local promoter The Right Productions to provide local unhoused artists with a safe space to get back on their feet.
• Detroit music producer Filthy Rockwell is gearing up for his nonprofit Filthy Cares’ annual Adopt-A-Block campaign.
• The City of Detroit has awarded 14 grants to businesses located in the Gratiot/7 Mile Strategic Neighborhood Fund area to improve their storefronts.
• Beginning next month, Detroit’s Municipal Parking Department will start enforcement in four newly created Residential Parking Zones, among other parking-related changes.
• The Detroit Pistons are two losses away from matching the NBA’s longest losing streak in one season.
• Detroit Red Wings team captain Dylan Larkin returned to the lineup on Monday night, nine days after getting knocked unconscious during a scramble in front of the net.

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