Catholic Health is closing the emergency department at Sisters of Charity Hospital St. Joseph Campus.

They say it’s being done to accommodate rapidly growing COVID-19 cases and ensure patient safety, quality care, and adequate staffing.

The closure will go into effect this Thursday at 7 a.m. until further notice.

Emergency services at Sisters Hospital’s Main St. Campus in Buffalo will not be affected.

The hospital says they will continue to conduct outpatient and elective procedures at St. Joe's and throughout Catholic Health, but they are keeping a close eye on bed capacity in the midst of surging cases.

All Catholic Health hospitals are currently caring for COVID-19 patients.