PHOENIX (Nov. 20, 2020) – To create a safe and secure environment for our patients and our health care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, visitors will no longer be allowed in any Banner Health location in Arizona, effective 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 22. This includes outpatient and ambulatory locations, such as: clinics, urgent cares, imaging centers, surgery centers and occupational health services locations. The decision follows a recent policy change that Banner made at its Tucson locations on November 18 where the no visitation guidelines have already been implemented.

There are four exceptions to the visitor restrictions:

• Pediatric patients (under the age of 18) may have one guardian or support individual with them.

• Laboring mothers may have one support person with them.**

• Persons with disabilities who, due to the specifics of the disability, require assistance from someone in order to effectively participate in the health care process will be allowed to designate a support person to accompany them while in any Banner facility.

• End of life visitations will be accommodated.

Everyone who enters a Banner Health facility is subject to a health screening to ensure they are not exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness. In addition, they must have their own mask which should be worn at all times while inside Banner facilities.

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.

** Updated on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 2:00 p.m. MST: The original release stated that doulas would be permitted in Labor & Delivery in addition to a support person. This is not correct. Laboring moms may only have one support person in the room during labor.

About Banner Health

As one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country, the team at Banner Health is committed to ensuring all Banner locations are a safe place for care. Headquartered in Phoenix, Banner Health owns and operates 30 acute-care hospitals and an array of other services, including Banner Imaging, Banner Telehealth, and Banner Urgent Care. Team members are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of patients, be it a routine checkup, elective surgery or an urgent health service. Waiting room and employee workstation layouts maintain proper social distancing; screenings are conducted at hospital entrances to verify that all employees and visitors are well; and, all Banner physicians are equipped to visit patients remotely. Learn more about Banner's commitment to safety at bannerhealth.com/safecare.