Allegheny Health Network Asks To Be Removed From Pokémon Go Locations

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pokémon Go craze is getting players off the couch and outside, exploring their neighborhoods.

But sometimes, they're wandering into areas where they're not allowed, including hospitals. That's why Allegheny Health Network is putting a stop to it before things go too far.

With all those people walking around, there are risks. There have been reports of people walking into traffic while playing the game, and even injuring themselves because they're so engrossed in their phones.

In California, two men walked right off a cliff.

Now, Allegheny Health Network is banning people from going into their hospitals just to play the game.

Some players have been using the hospitals as Pokémon Gyms, or virtual battlegrounds.

So, why are people wandering into hospitals to play a game anyway? The app has the hospitals labeled as a public place, like malls or parks. So, while the game thinks it's okay for people to play Pokémon Go there, technically, it isn't.

Hospitals around the country are putting similar bans into place.

According to a statement from Allegheny Health Network, "The presence of Pokémon Go players in our facilities compromises physical safety, patient privacy, computer security and personal safety."

The healthcare company is asking the app's creator to remove them from the Pokémon Go game, so no more players are tempted to come into the hospital.

Until then, the hospital staff is keeping an eye out for people wandering around, staring at their phones.

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