PHOENIX — Amid thelatest models projecting packed intensive care units (ICUs)in the state’s hospitals in December, several hospital groups in Arizona have announced restrictions in their buildings.
Models estimate Arizona will likely surpass the July peak of ICU occupancy as soon as December 18, the numbers driven by the year-end holiday, including Thanksgiving.
Take a look at each hospital group's latest restrictions below:
BANNER HEALTH
Starting Sunday, Nov. 22, Banner Health is putting a no-visitor policy in place as its facilities enter "red status" amid coronavirus concerns.
Banner says its "red status" changes are put in place when community positivity rate is 10% or greater, changes to PPE use for team members, and visitor limitations.
Banner Health said this week that while in "red status," visitors will not be allowed, though there are some exceptions for end of life situations, pediatric, labor and delivery, and care for those with disabilities.
Click here for more information on the Banner Health's latest changes.
DIGNITY HEALTH
Information released by Dignity Health on Friday details some of the latest restrictions for visitors, broken down by hospital:
- Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Laveen will allow one adult visitor per patient between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for non-COVID-19 patients
- Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Mesa, Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers will allow one adult visitor per patient per day for non-COVID-19 patients
- Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center will allow one adult visitor per patient between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for non-COVID-19 patients
MAYO CLINIC
The Mayo Clinic medical group says facilities will be closed to visitors beginning Monday, Nov. 23. They believe limiting the number of people allowed in its facilities will help keep the environment safe for patients.
They are asking patients to arrive 15 minutes early to be screened before appointments. If patients are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms or believe there has been exposure, please talk to your primary care physician for guidance.
Click here for more information on the Mayo Clinic's latest changes.
PHOENIX VA HOSPITAL
According to a press release, in-person visitation will be halted at the Phoenix Veterans' Affairs hospital starting Saturday, Nov. 21. Officials say there will be exceptions for end-of-life cases.
The following requirements are still in place and continue to be enforced:
- Veterans should come to in-person appointments alone, unless required to have a caregiver assist
- No one under the age of 15 is allowed in any facility
- Everyone entering the VA must wear a face covering and undergo screening, which includes temperature checks
Click here for more information on the Phoenix VA hospitals' latest changes.
VALLEYWISE HEALTH
Beginning Monday, Nov. 23, Valleywise Health Medical Center will reinstate visitor restrictions to protect patients and staff from further spread.
They are allowing:
- One healthy parent/guardian per pediatric/NICU patient
- One healthy support person per laboring/postpartum mother
- End of life situations to be handled on a case by case basis
- One healthy support person/caregiver for vulnerable patients who may have but not limited to the list below: Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or related complex disabilities with cognitive impairments
Click here for more information on Valleywise's latest changes.