After observing a steady decrease in respiratory illness cases among patients and teammates, beginning at 7 a.m. today, Thursday, March 27^th , all Aurora Health Care locations are lifting temporary masking and visitor restrictions in place since January. Additionally, children 12 and under will again be able to visit area hospitals. Masks are optional and continue to be available for visitors. The following exceptions remain in place: Anyone with respiratory symptoms should not visit and masking is required for all individuals in high-risk patient areas when indicated by signage and for symptomatic patients if outside their patient room.  To reduce the chances of getting sick from respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu or RSV, health care leaders recommend practicing good hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, and stay home if you feel unwell. Atrium Health continues to encourage all patients and the community to stay up to date with all recommended vaccines.