Northwell Health COVID-19 Update – 3/19/2020

We are updating our policies to keep our patients and communities safe. Keep reading for more information.

Northwell Health is here to help you get through anything—and the coronavirus is no exception. That’s why we’re rapidly adapting how we operate so you and your family stay safe. Visit our Coronavirus Digital Resource Center for the most up-to-date information.

Hospital visitation
The safety of our patients is our top priority, so we are asking family and friends to strictly adhere to our updated visitation policies. These guidelines are being updated on a regular basis. Prior to visiting your loved one, please check our Coronavirus Digital Resource Center for the most up-to-date policy.

Scheduled services
We are working hard to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) while maintaining standard operations across our hospitals.

• Elective procedures: As we continue to monitor the situation, and out of an overabundance of caution, we are cancelling all elective surgeries through April 15, 2020, unless clinically indicated. This measure will help us protect all those we serve, and allow us to refocus our efforts during this challenging time.
• Primary/Specialty care: If you’re scheduled to see a primary care or specialty physician, please call ahead as some appointments may be postponed.
• Wellness visits: For general wellness or other routine visits, you will be contacted directly if your visit is to be cancelled. Please let us know at that time if you feel your appointment is medically necessary so we can make plans to accommodate you.

Coronavirus testing guidance
Northwell Health continues to expand its lab-testing capacity for COVID-19. However, the current priority for testing (as of March 18, 2020) is for hospitalized patients who are at high-risk for infection or require more immediate medical attention. We are also testing patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and were in contact with an infected individual. All others who are concerned about exposure but are not experiencing or have mild symptoms are advised to recuperate at home.

If you suspect you have coronavirus
If you feel unwell, stay home, self-isolate and monitor your health for a period of 14 days. If you are experiencing fever or shortness of breath, call ahead to speak with your primary care physician or staff at an urgent care center. You may also contact Northwell’s call center at 888-4UR-CARE.

If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus
If you have received a positive test result for COVID-19, and your symptoms are mild, you should plan to self-isolate at home. Stay in a designated room away from healthy family members for at least 14 days, and until you are completely well with no fever. For severe or worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room.

Most importantly, try to stay calm and be compassionate. With small but powerful actions, we can all help to stop the spread of coronavirus. Together, we will get through this.

Northwell Health is proud to serve you and will continue to provide email updates as they become available. For more information, visit our Coronavirus Digital Resource Center or read more on our FAQs page.