CLEVELAND, Ohio — To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, local hospitals are imposing stringent restrictions on visitors to their facilities.
The Cleveland Clinic restricted nearly all visitors. Pediatric patients and those in labor and delivery are permitted to have one visitor, and special circumstances are coordinated for end-of-life patients.
“As we continue to navigate the best ways to contain the spread of COVID-19, we understand these changes are difficult and appreciate your patience and understanding,” the Clinic said in a statement Friday.
Similar restrictions are in place at hospitals throughout the region.
MetroHealth suspended routine visits to adult patients with several exceptions: those undergoing surgery; children; obstetric patients; those who require home caregivers; end-of-life patients; those with cognitive impairment; those undergoing surgery; and those in the emergency department.
“This step is being taken to protect our patients, staff and community during this unprecedented time,” MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Akram Boutros said in a statement Wednesday. “We know the only way to flatten the curve and reduce widespread community infection is to limit social interactions.”
In most cases, visitors who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, are not permitted to visit patients. Exceptions are being made for those visiting patients at the end of their lives.
Do you have a loved one in the hospital? Have you or your family been unable to visit? What is it like to not be able to visit? Or, if you have been able to, what was that like?
I want to write about what these visitation restrictions mean for families, friends and patients. I hope you will share your experiences with me.
Feel free to contact me directly. I can be reached on Twitter and Facebook, by email or by phone at 216-870-0280.
Latest COVID-19 statistics, as of 9 a.m. Friday:
Global cases: 209,800
U.S. states reporting cases: 50 states and Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands
Total cases in U.S.: 10,400
Total deaths in U.S.: 150
Total cases in Ohio: 119
Worldwide information is from the WHO, and U.S. numbers are from the CDC.
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