ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — OSF Saint Anthony in Rockford and KSB Hospital in Dixon are now recommending patients, visitors and employees to wear masks in response to an increase in respiratory illness in the state.
OSF is also enacting a temporary visitor restriction that allows only two people 18 or older to be with a patient at a time. Exceptions will be made for special circumstances.
Illinois health officials are warning the whole state of the rise in respiratory illnesses, specifically COVID-19, the flu and RSV. Officials said respiratory illnesses account for nearly 17% of all hospital admissions.
That number is expected to continue rising into the winter months.
Local health experts said if you are feeling sick, protecting others around you is important.
“If you’re unable to avoid people, wearing a mask is really important. Getting tested is important too, so you can see exactly what you have and how to reduce exposure,” said OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center APRN Mary O’Mera.