Hospitals across Arizona cutting off visitations as coronavirus cases surge

PHOENIX — Hospitals across Arizona are cutting off visitations in the midst of another surge in coronavirus cases.

Banner Health, Arizona’s largest hospital system, is shutting down visitations at Arizona locations effective Sunday at 6 p.m., according to a press release.

The move comes after Banner implemented the policy Wednesday for its Tucson locations.

“We understand this will be challenging, but we’re committed to take the necessary precautions to protect our patients, health care workers and the community,” Banner said in the release.

Exceptions include end-of-life visitations, pediatric patients, women in labor and individuals with disabilities who require assistance from others.

The Phoenix VA on Wednesday announced in-person visitations would end Saturday except for end-of-life patients.

Mayo Clinic is also limiting visitations starting Monday, citing the need to take precautions because of rising cases.

End-of-life visitations and pediatric patient are exceptions expected to be allowed by Mayo’s care assessment team, according to a press release.

Valleywise Health said Friday it is shutting down visitations starting Monday and will have the same exceptions as Banner: End-of-life visitations, pediatric patients, women in labor and individuals with disabilities who require assistance from others.

Arizona reported 4,471 new coronavirus cases and 43 deaths on Friday, putting the state’s totals at 291,696 COVID-19 infections and 6,427 fatalities.

Related

Woman hospitalized with leg injury after rescued from Papago Mountain’s Hole in the RockBoating accident on Lake Powell in northern Arizona leaves child deadSurveillance video captures two armed robberies before Chandler police make arrestDriver impaired by marijuana sentenced for Peoria crash that killed 5Arizona authorities release ransom notes from Nancy Guthrie caseAndy Biggs explains why he picked Sine Kerr as his running mate in bid for governor’s seat