More changes are being made with Genesis HealthCare System in response to COVID-19.

Currently, no visitors are allowed at Genesis Hospital.

There are a few exceptions to that restriction, including patients at the end of life and disabled patients.

Labor and delivery patients are limited to one visitor. In the mother and baby unit, one person and the father may stay the night. Intermediate Care Nursery and pediatric patients ages 17 and younger are permitted to have both parents or one person visit.

Genesis will soon be offering a virtual on-demand COVID-19 screening clinic beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20. The clinic allows patients to meet with a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant over the phone.

Patients should call (740) 297-8610 for their screening. Registration will be required, and co-pays will be waived.

Hours of the on-demand COVID-19 screening clinic are Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Patients needing after-hour care should call the Genesis NurseLine at (740) 455-4949.

Regarding surgeries, Genesis HealthCare system is postponing all elective surgeries following an order from the Ohio Department of Health.

By postponing surgical procedures, hospitals can reduce the risk to patients and providers, conserve critically short supplies of personal protection equipment and preserve inpatient beds and equipment.

Surgeons’ office staff will contact patients to reschedule procedures.

Critical surgeries, such as those saving a patient’s life, preserving the function of organs or limbs, reducing metastasis or progression of a disease or reducing severe symptoms will continue.