As COVID-19 cases spike throughout Illinois due to the delta variant, hospitals within HSHS Illinois and Memorial Health System (MHS) will only allow one visitor in most situations – with some exceptions – beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13. 

The decision was made as part of the hospitals’ ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect patients and health care professionals. Family members and other support persons will be able to call each hospital for assistance in checking on patients and should give nursing staff their contact information.

HSHS Illinois’ nine hospitals are St. John’s Hospital, Springfield; St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur; St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon; St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham; 
St. Joseph’s Hospital, Breese; Holy Family Hospital, Greenville; Good Shepherd Hospital, Shelbyville; St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield; and St. Joseph’s Hospital, Highland.

Memorial Health System’s five hospitals are Memorial Medical Center, Springfield; Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln; Decatur Memorial Hospital; Passavant Area Hospital, Jacksonville; and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The two health systems will also continue the screening process for anyone entering their hospitals. People entering will have their temperature checked with a forehead scan thermometer and answer a brief set of questions. Medical-grade masks are required in all health care settings. 

Individuals will not be allowed to enter if their temperature is above 100.4 F, if they display symptoms of acute respiratory illness, including coughing, shortness of breath and sore throat, or if they refuse to wear a mask. 

Family members and friends can call hospitals for assistance.   Each hospital will also have limited access at designated entrances.