Health officials across New Jersey are concerned that those with chronic illnesses and those with symptoms that could be indicators of the onset of a problem are not seeking treatment due to a fear of catching COVID-19.
Because of this, five hospitals and two systems in heavily hit northern New Jersey have sent out a joint release to let residents know hospitals are safe and open for business (though some procedures are still banned due to executive order).
“At present, our facilities are only scheduling medically necessary, time-sensitive procedures in accordance with Gov. (Phil) Murphy’s most recent executive order,” they wrote. “Our hospitals will reopen to the public in phases, expanding service offerings as public health guidelines permit.
“The public can feel reassured knowing our approach to caring for patients who do not have COVID-19 reflects the same high level of vigilance and safety initiated at the onset of this crisis.”
Below is the full text, which comes from Atlantic Health and Valley Health System, as well as Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Englewood Health, Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center and Holy Name Medical Center.
Thankfully, hospitals in northern New Jersey are seeing a steady decline in COVID-19 cases and we remain committed to following all health and safety guidelines issued by federal and state health authorities.
“At present, our facilities are only scheduling medically necessary, time-sensitive procedures in accordance with Gov. Murphy’s most recent executive order. Our hospitals will reopen to the public in phases, expanding service offerings as public health guidelines permit.
“The safety and well-being of our patients and team members is our highest priority. We are taking many steps to continue to deliver high-quality safe care, including: rigorously cleaning and sterilizing our hospitals and patient care locations; adopting new screening protocols and protection procedures for patients and staff; and separating non-COVID treatment from COVID treatment areas.
“The public can feel reassured knowing our approach to caring for patients who do not have COVID-19 reflects the same high level of vigilance and safety initiated at the onset of this crisis. Our hospitals will continue to work collaboratively to share resources and information as we learn more, while also providing the transparency and trust our communities deserve.”
