CAPITAL REGION — New visitation guidelines are being implemented at nine local hospitals to further protect patients from influenza and other infectious diseases, it was announced today.

Implementation of the new guidelines will begin today at some of the hospitals and on Monday for others.

Patient units of Albany Medical Center, Albany Memorial Hospital, Bellevue Woman's Center, Ellis Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital (Troy), St. Peter's Hospital, Samaritan Hospital, Saratoga Hospital and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital will restrict visits by:

-- Children 12 and under;

-- Any visitor with respiratory symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath) a rash or diarrhea; and,

-- Only two visitors will be permitted in a patient's room at one time.

The hospitals are also urging all visitors to use hand-washing stations before entering and upon leaving a patient's room. Hand sanitizers are available at many hospital entrances and at many other locations throughout these hospitals, including the doorways of many patient rooms.

Some hospitals have special care units or physical layouts which may have additional visitation restrictions.

The restrictions, which were developed after discussion between the chief medical officers at each institution, are being implemented as the state Department of Health is reporting that the H1N1 virus is now widespread across the state.

Area hospitals are experiencing a significant increase in patients visiting emergency departments with respiratory and/or influenza-like symptoms.

The temporary restrictions are intended to help limit the transmission of the virus and protect the health and safety of patients and the professionals who provide their care during the outbreak, officials said.