The Wood County Hospital has issued the following advisory.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is currently reporting that influenza activity in the state is now widespread. Locally, in Wood County, influenza activity has increased in the past seven days, and hospitalizations due to flu complications have significantly increased over the past two weeks.
Following past protocol, beginning February 12, the hospital has enacted a mandate that any employee that is not vaccinated for the flu (90% have been vaccinated to date) will be required to wear a surgical mask. These added precautions are to protect staff, patients, visitors and the community. Masks and hand hygiene dispensers are available at the hospital entrance and in waiting areas for those who have been unable to be vaccinated for influenza or are having cough and illness symptoms. All visitors are encouraged to take extra precautions and stay healthy during this active influenza season.
Wood County Hospital leaders and infection control will be monitoring the ongoing flu activity closely. The current protocol will remain in effect until influenza activity has decreased.
