UPPER CUMBERLAND-Hospitals here have implemented temporary visitor restrictions in response to a rise in illnesses across the region.

Livingston Regional Hospital and Cookeville Regional Medical Center both have taken action “due to an increase in respiratory illness, flu and COVID-related illness in our community,” they said.

The hospitals said the restrictions are being put in place to help protect patients, visitors, and staff.

In Livingston, visitors under the age of 13 are restricted, while those under the age of 16 are restricted in Cookeville.

Both hospitals said “anyone with symptoms of illness (fever, cough, congestion, stomach upset) should not visit.”

At CRMC, exceptions may be made for siblings of newborns in their Birthing Center, and the same may hold true for the LRH Women’s Center.

Other exceptions at both hospitals may be made for “special circumstances” at the discretion of clinical leadership.

“These steps are being taken to reduce the spread of respiratory illness and keep our community safe,” the hospitals said.  “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to monitor conditions and will share updates as restrictions change.”

For more information about the hospitals, visit mylivingstonhospital.com and crmchealth.org.