Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health lift visitor restrictions for children under 13

Hospital officials say the move comes amid a decline in respiratory virus cases.

Both systems put restrictions on children visitors in December when illnesses, including the flu, were increasing.

For weeks cases have been going down and are less severe. 

Some other guidelines remain in place.

Parking is still an issue at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center due to construction. As a result, hospitalized patients may have two healthy visitors at a time. Those making outpatient visits may bring one person with them. 

All other Wake Forest Baptist locations are fully open to visitors.

Novant Health advises that anyone with respiratory virus symptoms including fever, headaches, cough or stuffy or runny nose should not visit the hospital. 

Masks remain optional at both health systems except under certain conditions including in areas for vulnerable patients.