Central Maine Healthcare announced Tuesday that it is restricting children younger than 12 for visiting its hospitals.Officials are also asking adults with respiratory symptoms not to visit patients in any of its hospitals.The new restrictions are aimed at lessening the chances of spreading viruses, including the flu, which is widespread in Maine.The new visiting policy also applies to the system's two long-term care facilities, Bolster Heights in Auburn, and Rumford Community Home."Our priority is to protect our patients, staff and families, as well as the broader community," said Dr. John Alexander, M.D., the chief medical officer of CMH. "We know that people can be infected and transmit viruses unknowingly, so we've decided to err on the side of caution."Hospital officials said they are also preparing for the possibility of coronavirus spreading to Maine.There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in the state as of Tuesday.

Central Maine Healthcare announced Tuesday that it is restricting children younger than 12 for visiting its hospitals.

Officials are also asking adults with respiratory symptoms not to visit patients in any of its hospitals.


The new restrictions are aimed at lessening the chances of spreading viruses, including the flu, which is widespread in Maine.

The new visiting policy also applies to the system's two long-term care facilities, Bolster Heights in Auburn, and Rumford Community Home.

"Our priority is to protect our patients, staff and families, as well as the broader community," said Dr. John Alexander, M.D., the chief medical officer of CMH. "We know that people can be infected and transmit viruses unknowingly, so we've decided to err on the side of caution."

Hospital officials said they are also preparing for the possibility of coronavirus spreading to Maine.

There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in the state as of Tuesday.