Cleveland Clinic Resumes Normal Operations At Ohio Facilities

CLEVELAND — On Monday, the Cleveland Clinic resumed many of the operations it paused during the initial outbreak of the new coronavirus. Outpatient appointments, surgeries and procedures will now move forward with new safety precautions.

"The health and safety of our patients and caregivers remains our top priority, and we want to assure patients that our facilities are safe for them to receive care. For nearly two months, we have taken steps to increase safety by limiting visitors and screening them for potential COVID-19 symptoms, providing essential PPE for caregivers, practicing physical distancing, expanding testing capabilities and continuing to clean our facilities extensively," the hospital system said in a news release.

Here's what will be different for hospital visitors and patients:

• Patients and visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, including a temperature scan
• Everyone entering a hospital will be asked to sanitize their hands and will be given a mask to wear while inside the facility. Patients and visitors can also bring their own masks to wear.
• Social distancing reminders will be posted throughout all facilities.
• There will be less furniture in the lobbies and waiting areas to encourage spacing.
• All elevators, door handles and common areas will be cleaned regularly.
• Patients with surgeries scheduled to take place in an ambulatory surgery center or operating room will be tested for COVID-19 before their procedure.

The Cleveland Clinic will continue to use virtual doctor's visits to reduce how many patients are in a hospital or medical facility at any given time.

"As we continue to adapt to this evolving public health issue and begin to resume services, this is an opportunity to re-think how we deliver care in ways that are both safe and convenient for our patients," the hospital system said in a statement. "We are eager to reconnect with many of our patients and continue our mission of caring for our community."