DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Authorities say children will not be allowed to visit patients in most Des Moines-area hospitals for the time being, because of concerns that they might spread swine flu to vulnerable patients.
The announcement was made Monday by Iowa Health-Des Moines and Mercy Medical Center, which together control six hospitals in the Des Moines area.
Under the new policy, no one younger than 18 may visit patients, and only two people at a time may visit any one person. The hospitals said some exceptions could be made.
The hospitals urged visitors to stay away if they have fevers, coughs or sore throats. They say all visitors will be required to wash their hands with soap or sanitizing gel. In some cases, visitors will be required to wear masks.
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