Memorial Health is putting temporary visitor restrictions in place at its hospitals as respiratory illnesses continue to rise across Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is recommending the limits due to increased cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV statewide. The restrictions apply to inpatient units at all five Memorial Health hospitals, including facilities in Decatur, Springfield, Taylorville, Jacksonville, and Lincoln.

Hospital visits will be limited to two visitors per patient at one time. Visitors must be at least 18 years old and show no signs of illness. Masks are encouraged, but not required, and disposable masks will be available at hospital entrances.

The restrictions do not apply to outpatient services such as urgent care, primary care, lab work, or imaging appointments.

Health officials continue to encourage people to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay up to date on vaccinations, and consider wearing a mask around others to help prevent the spread of illness.

More information on respiratory illness trends and prevention is available through the Illinois Department of Public Health.