Cold and flu visitor restrictions in place

Every year during the winter months, many people catch the seasonal flu virus, common cold or get sick from other infections. At CHEO, we call this "peak season" because it is the busiest time of the year. During this time we rely on everyone to help protect against the spread of infection. We all have a role to play.

Beginning December 16, 2019 CHEO will be implementing cold and flu season temporary visitor restrictions. It is anticipated that these precautions will be in place until March 31, 2020 to protect patients, their families and our staff and medical staff.

One of the most important precautions for parents and families to note is that we temporarily restrict visitors under the age of 14 years. Please make sure if you are coming for an appointment or visiting our Emergency Department that you only bring those who need to be there. We do not allow children and youth visitors under the age of 14, unless they are here to receive care.

CHEO's enhanced, temporary visitor restrictions include:

For general patients

children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit, including siblings
only two people can be at your child or youth's bedside at a time (including parents and guardians)
visitors must be healthy (free from fever, runny nose, colds, vomiting or diarrhea)
visitors will be screened for signs of sickness and asked not to visit if they are sick
Admitted patients and their parents or guardians may visit the playrooms.
Admitted patients may not visit the Ronald MacDonald Family Lounge on the 5^th floor during viral season

For isolated patients

if a child or youth is in isolation, only parents and guardians can be at their bedside. No visitors are allowed
children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit, including siblings
only two people can be at your child or youth's bedside at a time (including parents and guardians)
playrooms are only open to patients who are not in isolation and their parents or guardians
Admitted patients may not visit the Ronald MacDonald Family Lounge on the 5^th floor during viral season

More information on cold and flu season at CHEO: