Norwich - Due to decreasing flu activity in the community, the Backus Health System Monday lifted its visitor restrictions, the hospital announced.

This includes the William W. Backus Hospital and all satellite locations. Backus originally enacted restrictions on Dec. 14 to help protect patients, visitors and staff from the virus during what was a severe flu season.

Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London lifted its flu-related visitor restrictions about a week ago.

The flu season is not over, and precautions should still be taken to limit the spread of germs, Backus said in a news release. The best way to protect against the flu are washing hands frequently, covering a cough and staying home when sick.

“We have been monitoring the incidence of flu in the community and in our patients for a few months now, and we’ve determined the levels have significantly and safely subsided,” said Dr. Peter Shea, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Backus. “Visiting restrictions are a common-sense way to keep everyone — patients, visitors and staff — safe. Although we’ve lifted the restrictions, we still urge anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting patients at Backus.”