CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — UNC Health will implement temporary visitor restrictions due to the rising cases of flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses across North Carolina.
It will take effect at 7 a.m. Monday at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and Holly Springs, UNC Health Chatham in Siler City, and UNC Health Johnston in Clayton and Smithfield.
The restrictions will prohibit visitors 11 years old and younger from all hospital inpatient areas and waiting areas. Those who are older than 11 with respiratory symptoms are not allowed in inpatient areas and waiting areas.
“These temporary precautions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors and teammates,” UNC Health said in a news release. “UNC health leaders recognize the strain that such restrictions can place on our patients and their loved ones. We strive to balance the need for seasonal visitor restrictions with the importance of allowing family and loved ones to visit patients – a critical part of the healing process.”
All employees at designated inpatient locations are required to wear a mask while providing patient care. Masks are strongly encouraged for all patients and visitors.
UNC Health said they were continue to monitor local, regional and statewide data and adjust restrictions as needed.
Several healthcare providers, including Duke Health, have also implemented restrictions.
Duke Health became the latest North Carolina healthcare provider to implement restrictions on hospital visitors amid a surge in flu cases.
Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.