Novant Health limits hospital visitors as respiratory viruses surge

NORTH CAROLINA — Citing a rise in respiratory viruses across the state, Novant Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions at all North Carolina hospitals, including those in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties.

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Starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, 7 a.m., children under the age of 13 will be limited from visiting hospitalized patients at Novant Health facilities in North Carolina. The policy change aims to curb the spread of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 to protect vulnerable patients and frontline staff.

In the Cape Fear region, the restrictions apply to:

• Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
• Novant Health Pender Medical Center
• Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
• Novant Health Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, flu-related deaths in the state have already reached 11, since the official surveillance season began in early October. By contrast, only two deaths had been reported by late December during the 2024-2025 season.

Beyond the rise in flu-related fatalities, RSV-related emergency room visits in both Brunswick and Pender counties have more than doubled in the last 21 days, with Pender facing a 150% increase and Brunswick 111%. In New Hanover County, RSV-related cases jumped from an average of 18 cases per week to 42 as of late December. 

COVID-19 is also intensifying across the tri-county area, with New Hanover wastewater levels showing the current amount of the virus in wastewater is higher than 90% of samples taken in 2025. Since early December, regional COVID-related hospital admissions have climbed 25%.

Because of such data, Novant advises children under 13 to not visit the hospital unless they are seeking medical care. However, some “special circumstances” may be considered, such as visiting a newborn sibling or a family member during end-of-life care. Parents are advised to coordinate these visits with the patient’s care team in advance.

Restrictions will remain in place until viral activity in the community subsides.

“Each of us plays a part in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, whether that’s staying home when we’re sick, staying current on recommended vaccines, or seeking the appropriate level of care when necessary,” Dr. David Priest, Novant Health’s senior vice president and chief safety and quality officer, said in a press release. “These temporary visitor restrictions are another way to help safeguard our most vulnerable patients while they’re being treated in our hospitals.”

While masks remain optional for most visitors, individuals experiencing flu, RSV or Covid-19 symptoms and seeking medical treatment will be required to wear a mask. However, health officials are encouraging patients to utilize primary care or urgent care centers for routine symptoms to keep emergency departments clear for life-threatening situations. Local options include Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care clinics in Wilmington, Leland, and Hampstead, as well as 24/7 virtual video visits.

Frequent handwashing and covering the mouth and nose from coughing and sneezing will slow the spread in public spaces.

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