CLEVELAND — With falling COVID-19 cases in northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic said it's relaxing its visitation policy starting Tuesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • With COVID-19 cases dropping in northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic is easing its visitation policy

  • The Cleveland Clinic will allow two adult visitors for all patients, including those with COVID-19

  • Visitation hours will remain 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and visitors to patients with COVID-19 will be required to undergo additional guidelines

  • The Cleveland Clinic was among a number of hospitals that had to limit visitors and postpone some elective surgeries amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in December and January

The hospital system, which is the largest private employer in Ohio, will allow two visitors aged 18 and older in all care settings for all patients, including for those patients with COVID-19.

As COVID-19 cases spiked in northeast Ohio, hospital systems like the Cleveland Clinic limited visitors. Additionally, many elective surgeries were postponed. Members of the Ohio National Guard were also on hand to provide support for workers.

According to the Ohio Hospital Association, the number of COVID-19 patients in northeast Ohio hospitals is dropping. As of Monday, there were 230 COVID-19 patients in northeast Ohio hospitals, according to the Ohio Hospital Association, down from a peak of 1,754 on Jan. 5. 

“We are optimistic about the ongoing decrease of COVID-19 positivity rates, both at our testing sites and in our communities,” the Cleveland Clinic said. “This sustained trend means we are able to safely invite more visitors back to see our patients.”

The Cleveland Clinic provided the following reminders for patients and their visitors: 

  • Visitation hours remain 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 can visit a patient no less than 10 days after testing positive or being exposed
  • Visitors are required to wear masks, pass a COVID-19 health screening and sanitize their hands upon arrival
  • Visitors to patients with COVID-19 must follow its guidelines, which include wearing a mask, eye protection, gown and gloves

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