Southwest General Postpones Nonessential Surgeries Due To COVID

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH — Southwest General Hospital is postponing all nonessential surgeries requiring an inpatient stay until further notice due to the COVID-19 surge.

The hospital has also changed its visitation policy due to a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Visitors are no longer allowed to see patients on any general medical or surgical floor, or critical care unit.

"We appreciate the continued cooperation and support of our communities as we work to provide safe, quality care to our patients and families," hospital officials said in a statement.

Additional information on the Southwest General visitor policy and outpatient services can be found on the hospital's website.

Cuyahoga County is on the verge of "going purple," the worst color-classification a county can receive for its COVID-19 spread. Statewide, the situation is no better.

More than 25,000 new cases were confirmed on Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Health. Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday he expected a one-day surge in cases confirmed because of the data dump.

Since the start of the pandemic, more than 500,000 positive COVID-19 tests have been confirmed in Ohio.