BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Dignity Health announced Tuesday it is suspending elective procedures at its Bakersfield Mercy Downtown and Mercy Southwest hospitals.

The hospital said this temporary move comes as an abundance of caution for hospital staff, physicians, and patients. Officials said the status of elective surgeries will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Hospital officials urge residents to exercise extreme caution and practice health safety by avoiding large gatherings, washing hands, wearing a mask in public, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and avoid touching your face.