Banner Health announced Friday that visitors will no longer be allowed in any statewide location, including Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, 5555 W. Thunderbird Road, in Glendale, effective 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

This includes outpatient and ambulatory locations, such as clinics, urgent cares, imaging centers, surgery centers and occupational health services locations.

The move is to create a safe and secure environment for patients and health care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, Banner Health explained. The decision follows a recent policy change that Banner made at its Tucson locations Nov. 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. Doulas will also be permitted but must leave after the birth.

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.

Visitors who enter a Banner Health facility are 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.

Visit bannerhealth.com/safecare.