Due to an increase in flu activity in the South Lake Tahoe area, Barton Health is taking precautions to protect patients. Effective Jan. 25, Barton Memorial Hospital has implemented the following guidelines for hospital visitors, during the height of flu season:

Anyone under the age of 12 is not permitted to visit patients.

Siblings of newborn infants may be allowed in the Family Birthing Center after careful screening, but must remain in the patient room at all times.

No more than two visitors per patient at any one time.

Any individual with a fever, cough, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms may not visit patients at the hospital.

Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, such as visiting a terminally ill patient.