Atrium Health Floyd Eases Masking and Visitor Policies Amid Decline in Respiratory Illnesses
ROME, Ga., Feb. 24, 2026 – After observing a steady decrease in respiratory illness cases among our patients and teammates, beginning 7 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, all Atrium Health Floyd locations are lifting temporary masking and visitor restrictions in place since December. 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, fever or a rash 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.
“With respiratory illness rates continuing to decrease over the past several weeks, we’re easing temporary restrictions, while staying ready to respond to any potential changes,” said Dr. Katie Passaretti, chief infection prevention officer for Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health Floyd is a part. “Our priority is safe, effective care, and while we are easing these restrictions, we continue to remind our communities about the importance of staying home when showing signs of illness. Together we can keep more people healthy and limit the spread of illness.”
To reduce the chances of getting sick from respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, flu or RSV, clinicians recommend taking simple actions, like practicing good respiratory etiquette, 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 sick. Atrium Health Floyd continues to encourage all patients and the community to speak with their provider to stay up to date with all recommended vaccines.
About Atrium Health Floyd
The Atrium Health Floyd family of health care services is a leading medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd strategically combined with Harbin Clinic in 2024 and employs more than 5,200 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at four facilities: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center – a 361-bed full-service, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; and Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health, also in Rome. Together, Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic provide primary care, specialty care and urgent care throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such facility to be built from the ground-up in Georgia.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois;Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
