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July 23, 2020/News Releases

Take Steps to Protect Ourselves, Our Families and Our Community from Coronavirus

A joint statement from NE Ohio’s healthcare community

Media Contact

Angela Smith | 216.318.6632

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Dear Northeast Ohio,

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Northeast Ohio we feel it is important to reach out together to stress the seriousness of this public health crisis. While our teams stand ready to care for you in the event you contract COVID-19, we are asking for your help.

As healthcare institutions we continue to work on testing, developing treatment options, and studying potential vaccines, but these efforts combined will not stop the spread of COVID-19.

We depend on you to do what is needed to protect yourself and those you love.

Coronavirus is a risk to all of us. There are basic, life-saving steps we all can take to prevent illness and protect ourselves, our families and our community. These steps include:

  • Protective Masking – Mask up, covering your nose, mouth and chin with a mask when you are around others.
  • Physical Distancing – Avoid large crowds and maintain 6 feet between yourself and people who do not live in your household.
  • Frequent Handwashing – Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that meets CDC guidelines. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Monitor Your Health & Exposures – Pay attention to your symptoms. If you have any of the below symptoms or you think you’ve been exposed, stay home and call your doctor for guidance on testing and care.
    • Fever or feeling feverish (chills, sweating)
    • Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of smell or taste
    • Sore throat
    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

We care about the health and safety of our Northeast Ohio community. Please continue to protect yourself and others during this global pandemic. We are Northeast Ohio and we are stronger together!

Signed,

The Center for Health Affairs
Cleveland Clinic
MetroHealth
St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
Summa Health
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation, Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 83,000 employees worldwide are more than 6,600 salaried physicians and researchers, and 21,900 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,725-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 300 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2025, there were 15.9 million outpatient encounters, 343,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 336,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.

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