WASHINGTON — Citing a steady decline in regional respiratory illness cases, Daviess Community Hospital (DCH) has officially lifted the temporary visitor restrictions that were implemented earlier this winter.
The precautions, which went into effect on January 9, 2026, were part of a proactive strategy by the Community Patient Safety Coalition of Southwest Indiana and Kentucky to protect patients during what experts have called the most severe flu season in 25 years.
With the removal of these temporary guidelines, the following restrictions are no longer in place:
- Age Restrictions: Visitors under the age of 16 are once again permitted to visit patients.
- Symptom Screening: While formal restrictions have been lifted, the hospital still urges the public to remain vigilant about infection prevention.
Hospital officials emphasized that while the peak of the respiratory season has passed, the health and safety of vulnerable patients remain a top priority.
“Infection prevention remains a priority,” hospital officials stated in a release. “Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches is encouraged to delay visiting until they are well.”
Standard visiting hours at Daviess Community Hospital are generally 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., though specific units like Intensive Care and Obstetrics may have specialized guidelines.
The CDC is showing a downward trend in acute respiratory illnesses across the Midwest.
- Flu Activity: After peaking in late December and early January, influenza-like illness (ILI) metrics have moved from “high” to “moderate.”
- COVID-19 & RSV: Wastewater surveillance indicates that levels of both viruses are stabilizing or declining in the Indiana region.
Despite the improvement, health officials remind the community that the respiratory season typically runs through May. DCH continues to recommend frequent hand washing and up-to-date vaccinations to maintain this downward trend.
