Milford Regional sees a return to normalcy, prep for flu season

Photo | Grant Welker Milford Regional Medical Center

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What might normally be the most benign announcement — visitors to Milford Regional Medical Center may now use the front lobby — is another sign of the hospital's return to normalcy following the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

The main lobby reopened effective Tuesday after a months-long closure because of the pandemic and restrictions put in place to keep staff, patients and visitors safe. Patients may now have one visitor per day, but only during the hours of 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The main lobby is now open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Milford Regional is looking ahead to the upcoming winter flu season, which is expected to coincide with a potential wave of more coronavirus cases. On Tuesday, the hospital launched a campaign called Protect Our Home Team, which highlights the importance of getting a flu vaccine.

"Getting a flu shot will help minimize the infection and spread of the flu, thereby lessening the pressure on our health system, healthcare workers and hospital capacity," the hospital said. "A flu vaccination not only protects you, but the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions."

High-risk groups include those 65 years and older, pregnant women, young children and those with asthma, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer, Milford Regional said.