Ascension Via Christi Manhattan

With the recent rise of seasonal respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in our community, Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Wamego Health Center are taking added precautions to protect hospital patients and staff and to prevent further spread.

Families and friends of patients at these hospitals and emergency departments are asked not to make
in-person visits if they are experiencing cold- or u-like symptoms for at least 48 hours after these
symptoms have resolved. Symptoms can include cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal
congestion or sore throat.

People who have or who have recently had COVID-19 are asked to wait until 10 days after the onset of the illness before visiting patients at the hospitals.

Visitors are strongly recommended to wear a mask, which the hospitals will provide if needed.

Additionally, until further notice, all visitors of patients must be age 12 or older.

“If there are extenuating circumstances, patients and families should talk to their nurse, who will discuss
the concern with the healthcare team to determine appropriate visitation that is safe for everyone
concerned,” says Robert Copple, President of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.

Visitors are also reminded to wash their hands and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when entering
and exiting a patient’s room, a practice already in place with staff.

“While family plays a key role in the healing process, patient and staff safety continues to be our top
priority,” says Copple.