MADISON, Wis. — Madison-area hospitals announced they are once again postponing non-emergency procedures as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations reach peak numbers.

Many hospitals postponed elective procedures at the beginning of the pandemic, but have since become fully operational. That has changed in recent weeks with the omicron variant and mass infections leading to an influx of people needing hospitalization. The fast-moving variant is also affecting staffing at hospitals, with more doctors and nurses becoming sick. 

Kyle Nondorf, President of SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital said current conditions are very different than the beginning of the pandemic.

"This most recent variant is really challenging the workforce more than the previous ones we've seen," Nondorf said.

Nondorf said hospitals are closely watching infection rates and hospital bed numbers weekly to decide how to proceed with non-emergency procedures. He urges people to get vaccinated, boosted and to wear masks. He said those measures have been proven to be effective and keep people out of the hospital.