Local IU Health hospitals expand suspension of all elective surgeries

A similar announcement earlier this month, beginning Sept. 6, included all inpatient procedures, but this one includes some outpatient procedures as well, according to an IU Health East Central Region spokesperson.

Hospital capacities:Muncie, Richmond, Lafayette hospitals seeing continued COVID-19 patient increase

Mask mandates:Health officer doesn't plan to offer recommendations to schools on mask mandates

"The surge of COVID-19 patient volumes has continued to accelerate at a rapid pace, and this temporary change is needed to free up space and additional staff from the procedural areas to care for critically ill patients,” Lori Luther, chief operating officer, IU Health East Central Region, said in a release on Monday.

Elective surgery patients (non-emergent, non-urgent) are being notified. The suspension will be monitored and extended for two-week periods as needed on a rolling basis.