Coronavirus Concerns: Kids Banned From Visiting CoxHealth Hospitals

Just a heads up, if you’re planning on visiting a loved one at a CoxHealth hospital in Springfield, Lamar, Branson, or Monett- kids under 12 will not be allowed in. The rule change is in response to the Coronavirus, and is similar to policies the hospital’s put in place during peak flu season. The latest policy is in effect until further notice. There are no confirmed coronavirus cases in southwest Missouri.

Read the full press release:

Children ages 12 and under not seeking medical treatment will not be permitted to visit CoxHealth hospitals until further notice beginning today, Monday, March 9.

Additionally, those outside this age group who feel sick and are not seeking care are asked to avoid visiting hospitals or other health care facilities for the protection of patients, hospital staff and the broader community.

The restrictions are in coordination with the Greene County health care community and area coronavirus task force, which announced countywide visitor restrictions to hospitals and other long-term care facilities on Monday.

The visitor restrictions are similar to those implemented during a tough flu season.

CoxHealth will be implementing these restrictions systemwide, including hospital facilities in Branson, Monett and Lamar.

There remain zero cases of COVID-19 in Greene County. Over the weekend, Missouri saw its first presumptive case in a traveler from St. Louis County.

The latest community information on COVID-19 may be found on the Springfield Greene-County Health Department’s website.