INDIANAPOLIS – With increasing activity of respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV, Franciscan Health hospitals in Indianapolis, Mooresville, and Carmel are implementing updated visitation restrictions.
These changes only affect inpatient areas and do not apply to outpatient departments. The following policy goes into effect Monday, Dec. 22, 2025:
- Visitors must be at least 18 years of age.
- Only two visitors per patient are allowed to visit at a time (excluding clergy who are part of the care team).
- Those having symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including, but not limited to cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, and vomiting, will not be allowed to visit.
- If visiting a patient who has respiratory symptoms, visitors are asked to keep a mask on and to not visit the cafeteria, coffee and gift shops, or waiting rooms.
- Visitors should continue to practice good hand hygiene.
- Visitation hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The updated policies are being implemented with input from Franciscan Alliance leadership and in accordance with guidelines from the Marion County Public Health Department.
The Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety has also issued this guidance, and all member health systems are adopting the restrictions.
Franciscan Health urges everyone ages 6 months and older to get a flu shot as the first and most important step for protecting against flu viruses. RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines are also strongly encouraged.