To reduce exposure to flu viruses circulating in the community, Samaritan Health Services on Monday implemented visitor restrictions at all Samaritan hospitals.

As of Nov. 2, visitors under the age of 12 will not be allowed in the hospitals. Also, visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed in hospital birthing centers.

"The visitor restrictions are being implemented to protect patients, and those who care for them, from unnecessary exposure to flu viruses circulating in our community," explained Jennifer Nitson, public relations coordinator.

Nitson said the restrictions are meant to address the majority of scenarios involving visitors to the hospital and "exceptions to the visitor restrictions in such situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with reason and compassion."

Other visitor restrictions recently implemented for the hospital birthing centers will remain in place. Each new mom will be allowed a total of two support people during her hospital stay. This means two designated support people throughout the entire hospital stay, not simply two at a time.

Any visitor with an influenza-like illness or respiratory symptoms will not be allowed in the hospitals.

Those coming to the hospitals for tests, lab work, etc. who exhibit any respiratory or influenza-like symptoms will be required to wear masks.

All visitors will be required to sanitize their hands upon entry.

"These visitor restrictions will help ensure that those providing care at our hospitals can fulfill their primary mission of caring for vulnerable populations of sick and injured patients, as well as prevent exposure among patients, staff and community members," said Samaritan Health Services CEO Larry Mullins. "We sincerely thank the public for patience and understanding with these special measures."

Samaritan hospitals will also route all patients and visitors to specific doorways where they will be screened before entry.

Patients and visitors coming to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital may enter through the following doors at the following times:

Main entrance at 525 N. Santiam Highway: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Emergency/Urgent Care entrance, north side of the hospital: 24-hour access for emergency patients; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for urgent care patients.

Diabetes/Wound/Ostomy, north side of the hospital: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Health Career and Training Center lobby, east side of the hospital: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

East Linn MRI (MRI patients only), south side of hospital: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Samaritan Health Services will announce when visitor restrictions change and or cease. For more information, visit www.samhealth.org and click on "Flu Information."