Syracuse, N.Y. - The effects of the state's vaccination mandate for health care workers will impact people in Syracuse who need medical help.
Starting today, Upstate University Hospital is closing 22 of its 35 operating rooms due to the likelihood that there won't be enough staff available to keep everything running smoothly. Priority for surgical procedures will be given to people who are in urgent need, such as trauma and critically injured patients. Hospital officials say they hope a full surgical schedule can resume as soon as possible.
St. Joseph's Health says they will have fewer operating rooms available as a result of the shortage. They will be evaluating elective procedures on a week-by-week basis.
Over at Crouse Hospital, they have a 90% vaccinated rate among their employees. Officials there say that means they should not have any limitation on their services.
The Kaiser Foundation estimates there are more than 1.2 million healthcare workers in the State. It is estimated that one-sixth of all State Healthcare workers have not received a COVID shot.