Margaret Mary Community Hospital, Batesville.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville is tightening restrictions for visitors.

The hospital wants to limit the spread of the flu and respiratory illnesses. Here are the new rules, effective as of this past weekend:

-No visitors under the age of 14, except siblings of newborns (Siblings of newborn babies will be screened for illness prior to visiting.)

-No visitors with respiratory symptoms including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, aches, stomach virus symptoms, etc.

-Families should limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to hospital visits.

Hospital spokesperson Kim Inscho said the hospital is taking other steps to ensure a healthy environment.

“MMCH is working to protect our patients as much as possible from exposure to respiratory illnesses by providing seasonal flu vaccines to staff and implementing respiratory etiquette practices. The hospital has also made hand sanitizer, tissues and facemasks available to both patients and visitors at the entrances of all hospital campuses,” Inscho said.

It is not too late to get a flu shot before the peak of flu season arrives. For more information about flu vaccines, contact the MMCH Wellness Clinic at (812) 934-0699.