Banner Health on Thursday is initiating mandatory masking at all facilities across the six-state healthcare system due to a significant surge in seasonal influenza to protect patients, visitors and staff.
Masking will be required for patients, visitors and staff in all Banner locations where patients are present until further notice. Patients admitted to Banner hospitals are not required to mask in their hospital rooms. Masking will be encouraged in non-patient areas as well. Masks will be available at all public entrances to Banner facilities.
“This measure is necessary because older patients and those with immunodeficiencies are at heightened risk and these extra precautions will help safeguard our most vulnerable populations,” said Marjorie Bessel, MD, Banner Health chief clinical officer. “Our top priority is to protect our patients, staff, and the communities we serve by reducing the spread of the virus.”
The new subvariant of influenza A, H3N2, is leading to higher infection rates although the seasonal vaccination remains highly effective against severe disease and hospitalization.
“The flu kills tens of thousands of people each year,” Dr. Bessel said. “Our masking plan will help us protect everyone, especially high-risk groups including those 65 and older, children 2 and under, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.”
A reminder of other best practices to help stem the spread of communicable disease, including the flu:
- Wearing a mask in crowded areas, such as airports, on public transportation or at indoor events
- Handwash or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently
- Stay home if you’re feeling ill
- Stay current on recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine
Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country and a leader in provider-sponsored health insurance serving 3.5 million people annually across six states. With 33 hospitals and more than 450 additional care sites, Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division, and a nursing registry. Through its longstanding, innovative relationship with the University of Arizona, Banner’s academic medicine division provides ground-breaking clinical discoveries, advanced life-saving care and educates 1,300 physicians annually. Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center treats more than 103,000 patients a year. Banner Plans and Networks offers Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health coverage to more than 1.2 million members. In 2024, Banner Health provided $1 billion worth of community benefits to assist those in need through a range of programs. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
