<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Flu cases are trending down as hospital focuses on respiratory etiquette</em></p>
Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) has announced it has lifted visitation restrictions put into place during the height of flu season.

With the number of flu cases steadily trending down, infection prevention and respiratory etiquette have become the focus of staff and visitors, according to Infection Prevention Coordinator Vicki Allen, RN.

“The flu is still in the community but we have seen a steady decrease in the number of cases in Beaufort County and at BMH,” she said. “At this time we have lifted restrictions for visitors and are encouraging everyone to observe respiratory etiquette, including covering your cough, wearing a mask if you have a cold, frequently washing your hands with soap and water and/or frequently using hand sanitizer.”

Hygiene stations placed at key access points throughout the hospital will remain in place throughout the flu season, and the focus on respiratory etiquette will be ongoing, Allen said.

For additional information about the hospital’s visitation policies please visit www.beaufortmemorial.org and click on Patients &amp; Visitors then Visitor Resources.