Starting today, hospitals in Iowa’s largest metro area will again restrict visitors.

The Des Moines metro area hospitals will stop allowing any visitors, with just a few exceptions.

The latest visitor ban covers Broadlawns, MercyOne Des Moines and West Des Moines Medical Centers and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Officials say they understand the restrictions may be difficult, but they’re in the best interest of hospitalized patients and staff.