Banner Health is starting to see some positive signs on the COVID-19 front. 

Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Marjorie Bessel says while the current trend is encouraging, it’s not a reason to celebrate.

“We are not out of the woods yet but we are cautiously optimistic about the downward hospitalization trend that we are currently seeing. However, this is not the time to let our guard down," Bessel said. 

Bessel also says they’re also anticipating a severe flu season this year, and are already seeing early cases of influenza. 

At this point, Bessel says projections show their hospitals will be under stress taking care of COVID-19, flu and other patients, with a peak in January.