With escalation of the novel coronavirus outbreak that causes COVID-19, at least two Cape Fear region health systems are taking further protective measures to prevent and safeguard their medical centers.

Cape Fear Valley Health System is implementing additional visitor restrictions at all its health locations beginning Friday, according to a news release from Janet Conway, a spokeswoman for the health system.

FirstHealth of the Carolinas has placed visitor restrictions at all its four health care facilities, according to a news release from Jayne Lee, director of infection control and patient safety.

Cape Fear Valley Health says in its release that additional steps are being implemented “to protect some of our most vulnerable patients” from SARS-CoV-2, or severe acute respiratory syndrome that causes COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus.

This only applies to our hospitals in Cumberland, Hoke and Bladen” counties, says Janet Conway, spokeswoman for CFVHS. “Harnett Health has not instituted those visitor restrictions.”