Poughkeepsie - Saint Francis Hospital is loosening its restrictions on visitor's access imposed during the surge of seasonal flu and H1Ni flue cases. Effective immediately, no children under the age of 12 will be permitted to visit, and only two visitors per patients will be allowed.

Since November, when local, state and national hospitals curtailed patient visits due to the flu, no visitors under the age of 18 had been allowed at Saint Francis.

"Influenza activity in our area is no longer widespread," said Suzanne McLaughlin, chief operating officer/chief nursing officer, "but should we see an increase in influenza activity in the community, we will reassess these restrictions to determine if stricter measures are necessary."

The purpose of the restrictions is to protect the health of patients. Staff will continue to encourage any visitor coughing to put on one of the protective masks available throughout the hospital.