FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Starting Monday Northeast Indiana's two local hospital systems are updating their visitor restrictions as COVID-19 cases across the state continue to surge.

Lutheran Health Network and Parkview Health are stressing the importance for the community to continue practicing the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These safety guidelines include: wearing a mask, social distancing, thorough and frequent hand washing, disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces and staying home when symptomatic, except when in need of medical care, including testing.

"Both Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network are working to assure that COVID-19 transmission is minimized, while acknowledging that the restrictions can be difficult for patients, as well as their family and friends, both hospital groups said in a joint release. "This is an extraordinary time and the community’s understanding and compliance is appreciated.

Both Parkview and Lutheran encourage the public to get a flu shot those year.

LHN and Parkview officials say not will this reduce your family’s risk from the flu, it also to help conserve healthcare resources.

Everyone 6 months or older is encouraged to get a flu shot to help keep our community safe from another respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The updated visitor restrictions can be viewed at each system’s website, listed below.

• Visitor Restrictions for Parkview Health
  • Details for each facility are under the section titles "Facility and Service Updates"
• Visitor Restrictions for Lutheran Health Network