A group of Billings hospitals and country services is recommending temporary, voluntary visitor restrictions at area healthcare facilities in an effort to prevent and control the spread of respiratory diseases in the area.
Yellowstone County’s Unified Health Command, made up of Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, RiverStone Health and Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services, was activated in January to prepare for a potential outbreak of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 illness.
There are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Montana.
Voluntary visiting restrictions extend to hospitals, clinics, long-term care and assisted living facilities.
People with coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, aches and fever; children and young adults; and people who were in recent contact with someone who was ill are advised to delay their visit until there is a decline in flu and other respiratory disease cases in Montana.
The CDC recommends frequent handwashing and to stay home if you’re sick.
