HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — AdventHealth is implementing temporary visitor restrictions at its North Carolina facilities because of an increase in respiratory illnesses across the region, including influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

The restrictions, which take effect immediately, are intended to reduce the spread of illness and protect patients, visitors and health care workers, according to the health system.

“These measures are being taken out of an abundance of care for our community,” said Victoria Dunkle, a spokesperson for AdventHealth North Carolina. “Our priority is to provide safe, compassionate care while reducing the spread of illness, especially among our most vulnerable patients.”

Under the temporary protocols, patients who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are asked to notify staff during check-in. Visitors who are feeling ill are encouraged to delay visits until they are symptom-free.

Visitors under the age of 18 are not permitted at this time, and visitors for patients being treated under respiratory illness precautions are required to wear masks.

AdventHealth is also encouraging people entering its facilities to wear well-fitting masks when appropriate, cover coughs and sneezes and practice frequent hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The health system said the visitor restrictions will be reviewed regularly based on community illness trends and guidance from public health officials.

Additional updates are available at AdventHealth.com.