What new visitation restrictions at Lutheran and Parkview hospitals means for your loved ones

If you plan on seeing your loved ones that are at a Parkview or Lutheran hospital during the holidays, you will need to follow these guidelines before you make a trip.

Lutheran hospital and parkview hospital are both putting in new restrictions.the hospitals say its to help keep their patients safe.it puts limits on who and when you'll be able to visit someone in either hospital.fox 55's brianna dahlquist spoke with the hospitals and a local church who say, it's for the best.

Visiting loved ones can be a real pick-me-up, especially during the holidays.

But if you have friends or family in the hospital right now you might not get that opportunity.

Both parkview and lutheran hospitals are restricting visitors this year because of an increase in covid-19 cases.

The hospitals will allow only one visitor from noon to 8 pm .

If the patient is having surgery, no visitation will be granted unless that patient is a child or has special needs.

Rev.

Anne epling of first presbyterian church typically visits those who are sick and alone for the holidays but she understands why they can't this year.

"in order to love our neighbor and in order to keep our neighbors safe and healthy.

That's what we have to do."epling says although families that can't see those loved ones who are sick and shut-in, they should still at least let the know they're loved.

"through a phone call, through a text, and email anything just to let people know that i'm there for you.

I think it's critical right now to let people know that somebody cares about them.

" judy boerger at parkview health says in a statement that they recognize how difficult it can be on families during this time.

Lutheran health network doctor vishal bhatia says he cannot stress enough the importance of following the cdc's guidelines.elping encourages everyone to hang on to the their faith.

"have that faith and trust even when it's difficult to know that the lord is there for us and he can be trusted."

In fort wayne, dahlquist.

Fox 55 news.

To learn more about resources available at first presbyterian church during the holiday season, click this story on our website at w-f-f-t dot