By Jeff Skrzypek

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The H1N1 virus is causing many hospitals across the country to tighten restrictions on visitors entering their facilities.

Samaritan Health Services announced they will enforce visitor restrictions at all of their Samaritan hospitals, including Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.  Officials said the the restrictions are aimed to stop the spread of influenza throughout their hospitals.

Before entering the facilities, all visitors will be questioned first about their health and if they've experienced any signs of the flu.  After answering the few questions, visitors will then have to sign in and fill out a name badge to be worn at all times.  Visitors will also have to sanitize their hands before entering the lobby. People who are coming to the hospital for work that are experiencing flu symptoms, will have to wear a mask.

The new restrictions will also affect parents that are visiting Samaritan hospitals.  Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the facility and visitors under the age of 18 are not permitted in the birthing center.

Hospital officials said they're hoping the restrictions will be an effective way to keep their staff and patients from contracting the H1N1 virus.  They said so far, the restrictions they've set is as far as they will go.  If the virus should accelerate in the area, officials say they will reevaluate their strategy at that time.