🏥Providence is tightening visitor rules at hospitals and clinics in Spokane and Stevens counties

If you're heading to a Providence hospital or clinic, check the rules first. Providence hospitals and Providence Medical Group clinics in Spokane and Stevens counties are tightening visitor rules starting Monday, Nov. 9. KHQ says the hospitals put visitor restrictions in place Friday because of increased respiratory illnesses. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Holy Family, Mount Carmel, St. Joseph's and St. Luke's Rehabilitation.

Every visitor checks in at a screening desk for a visitor pass and follows the hand-washing, masking and protective-equipment instructions. Inpatients who aren't in isolation can have two visitors in the room at a time.

• Under 12: barred from the Women's Health Center, siblings included
• Sacred Heart Children's inpatient units: no one under 12, siblings too
• Isolation patients: two visitors per day, in full protective gear
• Exceptions: clergy, end of life, unmet interpreter needs
• Under-12 rules: Providence will re-evaluate them in the spring