For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Medical Center, in Marshfield, has set temporary visitor restrictions for its hospital birth center.

The clinic said in a release that the “measures are in place to protect patients, especially newborns, due to high levels of respiratory illness in surrounding communities.”

During this time, all visitors to the birth center must be free of illness and at least 18 years old. The number of visitors allowed is limited to the two designated labor and delivery support people and grandparents.

“We carefully monitor flu and respiratory illness in our hospitals and community,” said Dr. William Melms, Marshfield Clinic Health System chief medical officer. “When reported levels are moderate or high we implement a restricted visitor policy. The exposure risk is assessed regularly and restrictions will be lifted as soon as possible.”

The restrictions began on Jan. 6.