The St. Luke’s Health System announced Tuesday that it is temporarily pausing certain elective inpatient and outpatient surgeries and procedures at its Treasure Valley (Boise, Meridian and Nampa) and Elmore locations. The policy—made effective Wednesday—was enacted because of increasing pressure on health-care facilities from a spike in COVID-19 illnesses.

In addition, St. Luke’s Magic Valley has extended its temporary pause on elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay. Beginning Thursday, certain elective outpatient surgeries and procedures were reduced to help support inpatient care needs, St. Luke’s stated.In addition, St. Luke’s Magic Valley has extended its temporary pause on elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay. Beginning Thursday, certain elective outpatient surgeries and procedures were reduced to help support inpatient care needs, St. Luke’s stated.

St. Luke’s medical centers in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and Elmore County have paused elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay since mid-August.