Oro Valley Hospital near Tucson has temporarily stopped taking heart attack patients due to staffing issues.

This decision is not surprising given the out of control COVID-19 case numbers in the state, as well as the absence of statewide mitigation efforts such as mask and vaccine requirements, said Dr. Shad Marvasti, an associate professor and director of public health and prevention at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. 

"Our health care system is already overwhelmed, has been overwhelmed for over a month now and over 100% capacity so it was just a matter of time for this to happen," he said. 

It also wouldn’t be surprising if this happens at another Arizona hospital or has already happened without public knowledge. Marvasti added.