Medical Professionals Preparing for COVID-19

Overview

We are getting our novel coronavirus information from the CDC.

COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Cleveland Clinic will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. More information about our response is available at the links below.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Toolkit

Detecting COVID-19

Protecting Against COVID-19

These video tutorials instruct caregivers on Donning and Doffiing Procedures.

Care Considerations for COVID-19

Caregiver Resources

Ambulatory Resources

Epic and Virtual Visit Resources

COVID-19 Telehealth Resources
MyLearning Course for Express Care Online On-Demand Visits
MyLearning Course for Express Care Online Scheduled Visits
Inpatient Virtual Family Visit Resources

Emergency Department Resources

ICU Resources

Managerial Resources

Operating Room Resources

Additional Resources

News for Caregivers

As COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve, Caregiver Communications wants to make sure that anyone working remotely who cannot access our intranet home page can still stay connected for the latest updates and resources.

Below you will find Caregiver Communications for COVID-19 grouped by category to make it easier for you to quickly find the information you need in the following categories: Daily CEO Updates from Dr. Mihaljevic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Instructions, Testing Information, Visitor Restrictions, HR News and Other General Updates.

View All Communications by Date

Daily CEO Updates

Read Dr. Mihaljevic’s latest LinkedIn post
April 2, 2020
As a health system, Cleveland Clinic is doing all we can to promote social distancing within our facilities, by rescheduling routine office appointments as telehealth visits, limiting visitation, moving most of our administrative staff to work from home, and postponing nonessential surgeries and procedures.

Q&A with Dr. Mihaljevic about our response to COVID-19
April 1, 2020
We promise to communicate with you openly and often.

Daily CEO Update
March 31, 2020
I want to thank you for your continued trust in us as we navigate the pandemic.

Daily CEO Update
March 30, 2020
We are forever grateful for the skilled, compassionate care that our professional staff members bring to everything they do.

Daily CEO Update
March 27, 2020
Now more than ever we are inseparable from each other and our communities.

Daily CEO Update
March 26, 2020
Your ability to touch lives is a unique service. It comes with an overwhelming sense of purpose.

Daily CEO Update
March 25, 2020
We strive to ease the emotional impact that change has on patients, caregivers and community members.

Daily CEO Update
March 24, 2020
Giving you access to timely and accurate information is the safest way to manage through this situation.

Daily CEO Update
March 23, 2020
Thank you for everything that you are doing in service to our patients, fellow caregivers and communities.

Daily CEO Update
March 19, 2020
As new information surfaces, we find ourselves making daily shifts in our operations. We feel your trust and thank you for your teamwork.

Daily CEO Update
March 18, 2020
Your inspiring efforts allow us to meet new demands and lead through change.

Daily CEO Update
March 17, 2020
Our patients, families and communities need the very best from us, and we are answering the call.

Daily CEO Update
March 16, 2020
This CEO update includes news on our care for patients with COVID-19, an update to our visitation policy, drive-through testing and new guidelines for caregiver exposure.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use of scrubs by those caring for patients with COVID-19
April 2, 2020
As such, we will offer scrubs, in addition to appropriate PPE, to caregivers who are providing continuous care to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are suspected positive in our Northeast Ohio hospitals.

Updated process for patient-specific stethoscopes
April 1, 2020
Effective April 1, disposable stethoscopes will be cleaned at point of use when the patient is discharged from the care area. Stethoscopes will then go to a bin in the dirty utility room, where they will be disinfected, packaged, labeled and stored for possible future use.

Need to wear an N95 mask? First, remove makeup
April 1, 2020
Caregivers who wear or anticipate needing to wear an N95 mask for their role must remove makeup before donning the mask.

Help us build extra reserves of PPE — Orange Bag Collection Program begins March 30
March 30, 2020
This is an evolving situation, and as we prepare for a potential surge of patients, we continue to take measures to safeguard our supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Medication storage boxes for COVID-19 confirmed or suspected patients
March 30, 2020
Pharmacy will make available medication storage boxes to be kept at the bedside for use with COVID-19 confirmed or suspected patients.

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine prescription restrictions alert for COVID-19 treatment
March 28, 2020
In concordance with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy emergency, a BestPractice Alert will display if providers prescribe chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.

Use of Patient-Specific Stethoscopes
March 26, 2020
To be good stewards of our resources, we are implementing guidelines for use of stethoscopes on patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19.

Personal Protective Equipment Update
March 24, 2020
Review our current PPE recommendations, updated as of March 24, 2020.

Cleveland Whiskey Collaborates With Us to Supply Hand Sanitizer
March 24, 2020
A sufficient supply of hand sanitizer is key to protect the health and wellness of healthcare providers who are critical to not just those who contract COVID-19 but to everyone who needs medical attention during this time.

Proper Respirator Use and Facial Hair
March 22, 2020
Negative pressure, pressure demand/or positive pressure respirators depend on a tight face-piece-to-face seal to protect the user. As outlined in our Emergency Guideline: Novel Respiratory Virus/Pandemic Flu Plan, caregivers with conditions that interfere with the face piece seal must not use these respirators.

Personal Protective Equipment Update, Effective March 21, 2020
March 21, 2020
We currently have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect our caregivers and patients during this pandemic. Your safety is our top priority. Review our current PPE recommendations, updated as of March 21, 2020.

Personal Protective Equipment Update, Effective March 18, 2020
March 19, 2020
Follow personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations our leaders have developed as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Testing

University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic Offer Prioritized COVID-19 Testing to First Responders
March 30, 2020
Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals (UH) have begun offering prioritized COVID-19 testing to first responders.

A Reminder About Patient and Caregiver Testing Protocols for COVID-19
March 27, 2020
To ensure that patients at highest risk receive priority in COVID-19 testing, please follow proper testing protocol for patients and caregivers.

Rapid Release of COVID-19 Test Results in MyChart
March 27, 2020
Effective March 25, once COVID-19 test results are processed, they are released immediately to a patient’s MyChart.

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Prescriptions to Require Diagnosis
March 25, 2020
Beginning March 24, 2020, in concordance with Ohio Board of Pharmacy emergency, all prescription orders for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine will require an associated diagnosis.

Update on COVID-19 Testing
Monday, March 23, 2020
Following overwhelming demand for testing we have made the decision to reserve COVID-19 testing for patients who are at the highest risk.

Guidelines on What to Do If You Think You Have COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure
March 20, 2020
Below are guidelines to help you know what to do if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but do not have symptoms.

Test Ordering Update for Ambulatory Care Providers – March 18, 2020
March 20, 2020
Please note that ambulatory care providers are no longer be able to order COVID-19 test ordering through Cleveland Clinic.

Free COVID-19 Screening Tool Now Available on clevelandclinic.org
March 19, 2020
Cleveland Clinic has launched a free COVID-19 screening tool. Find out your risk level, based on your symptoms and travel, and get the most appropriate care recommendations. Caregivers can use the tool themselves and share the link with patients, family and friends.

Update on COVID-19 Testing
March 17, 2020
Following overwhelming demand for testing we have made the decision to reserve COVID-19 testing for patients who are at the highest risk.

Second Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Location Opens at Landerbrook Health Center
March 16, 2020
Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals (UH) have added a second location for drive-through COVID-19 testing for patients with a doctor’s order from UH or Cleveland Clinic.

Visitor Restrictions

FaceTime and Skype App Usage for Telehealth Visits During COVID-19
March 21, 2020
Consistent with our goal of protecting patients and caregivers while fulfilling our mission, as of March 17th, patients with routine appointments are being rescheduled for telemedicine visits when appropriate. This includes both telephone only or “virtual” synchronous video visits.

Telehealth Services During COVID-19 Care: Provider User Guide
March 21, 2020
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently experiencing increased demand for telehealth services. To meet these demands, expanded telehealth services will be available to Cleveland Clinic physicians and Advanced Practice Professionals.

Restricted Visitation at Cleveland Clinic Ohio Facilities – Effective Today, March 20
March 20, 2020
The safety of our caregivers, patients and community is our highest priority. Effective today, March 20, we are restricting all visitors at all Ohio locations.

Encourage Patients’ Use of eVisits
March 19, 2020
Cleveland Clinic’s Express Care Online has experienced intermittent bandwidth and connectivity issues due to an unprecedented increase in the volume of patients seeking advice and care related to COVID-19. As an alternative, please encourage patients to complete an eVisit questionnaire in MyChart.

Telehealth Services During COVID-19 Care: Provider User Guide
March 18, 2020
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently experiencing increased demand for telehealth services. To meet these demands, expanded telehealth services will be available to Cleveland Clinic physicians and Advanced Practice Professionals.

New Visitor Guidelines, Effective March 17, 2020
March 18, 2020
We are updating our guidelines for visitors, limiting our visitation policy related to our hospitals, clinics, emergency departments and family health centers.

HR

EHP members: Refill prescriptions early, use home delivery service
April 2, 2020
Employee Health Plan (EHP) members can refill their prescriptions early during the current COVID-19 pandemic using the Cleveland Clinic Home Delivery Pharmacy at no additional cost.

24/7 confidential COVID-19 emotional support line launched for caregivers in Ohio
April 1, 2020
To provide emotional care for caregivers, we have established a 24/7, live COVID-19 emotional support line. The resource is free and staffed by Cleveland Clinic-licensed behavioral health clinicians.

Find educational training classes and resources for workforce redeployment
April 1, 2020
To help healthcare providers prepare for the potential surge in COVID cases, Cleveland Clinic has created two key educational resources.

Parking fees to be suspended for two months
April 1, 2020
We are committed to supporting all of our caregivers during this COVID-19 pandemic. To help ease the burden on caregivers, including those working in our facilities, as part of the labor pool and working remotely, we will be suspending parking fees for all caregivers with a paid parking assignment for two months.

Last week to access training for Microsoft Teams
March 30, 2020
Friday, April 3, is the last day Microsoft representatives will be offering online webinar training.

Need guidance on improving processes? Continuous Improvement can help
March 29, 2020
To help our teams develop, standardize and improve general processes and those related to COVID-19, Continuous Improvement (CI) has implemented virtual office hours.

Reminder on Travel Restrictions
March 29, 2019
Please remember that we have restricted all international and domestic business travel until further notice. Please continue to postpone requests to book business travel until we lift this restriction.

A Message to Caregivers from Ed Sabanegh, MD, President Main Campus and Regional Hospitals
March 28, 2020
Please share your moments of joy and gratitude with each other, connect in the ways you can and know I’m proud of the work you’re doing.

Smart Speakers and Remote Work/Telehealth Reminder
March 27, 2020
For caregivers working remotely — including clinicians doing telehealth visits from home — please remember to turn off any smart speakers while working. Smart speakers, also known as digital assistants, are always in listening mode, waiting for a command. It is possible your conversations would be recorded and stored on a server that may be accessed by unauthorized parties.

Thank you, Cleveland Clinic Caregivers
March 27, 2020
Take a moment to read messages of appreciation and encouragement; or add your own note at clevelandclinic.org/kudos.

Confidentiality of Protected Health Information and COVID-19
March 25, 2020
As Cleveland Clinic prepares for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remind ourselves that the rules of maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy continue to apply.

Child Care Website Available, Continue to Share This Application
March 24, 2020
If you know someone in Northeast Ohio who is looking to provide competent and reliable care to children, seniors or pets, please share this application form.

A Message from a Recovering COVID-19 Patient
March 24, 2020
The message below was authored by recovering COVID-19 patient who recovered and was discharged from the MICU on March 23.

Caregiver Comfort Station Opens on Miller Pavilion Rooftop
March 24, 2020
To show our appreciation and provide a moment to relax and recharge, we have opened a Caregiver Comfort Station on the Miller Pavilion Rooftop (J Building) at main campus.

Healthy Choice update: FAQs During COVID-19
March 24, 2020
In the rapidly changing healthcare environment around COVID-19, it is more important than ever to stay focused on your health and the health of your families.

Talk Through Feelings and Get Support in 30-Minute “Boost” Caring for Caregivers Call
March 23, 2020
As a Cleveland Clinic caregiver, you work diligently to provide care to our patients when they need it most. Now more than ever, it is important that you also take care of yourself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caring for Caregivers is offering 30-minute Boost telephone appointments to talk through feelings and provide support.

Update on Our Labor Pool and Suspending Surgical Services
March 23, 2020
We are committed to our caregivers and communities and will continue to fulfill our patients-first mission.

Know Someone Who Can Provide Child Care? Share This Application
March 23, 2020
If you know someone in Northeast Ohio who is looking to provide competent and reliable care to children, seniors or pets, please share this application form.

New State Department Travel Advisory Issued to Avoid All International Travel
March 21, 2020
Following this direction from the US State Department, Cleveland Clinic urges all caregivers currently located abroad for short-term business or personal reasons to make plans to return to the US immediately, or risk remaining abroad for an extended stay.

Thank You for Donating Blood; More Opportunities to Help
March 21, 2020
More than 70 caregivers donated blooVd at the March 20 Emergency Red Cross Blood Drive at main campus. Thank you! The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage, and additional drives are taking place. As we prepare for patient needs relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need is greater than ever.

Managers: Labor Pool to Reassign Caregivers to Areas of Critical Need
March 19, 2020
As we continue efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus, the labor pool will help place caregivers where they are most needed throughout our Northeast Ohio locations.

Negative PTO Balance Allowed During COVID-19 Response
March 19, 2020
Caregivers will be eligible to use PTO beyond their current balance up to a total of negative forty (-40) hours.

Take a Survey About Your Childcare Needs
March 18, 2020
During this COVID-19 situation we are seeking to understand how the closing of the schools and potential closing of childcare facilities might impact our caregivers. If you have children, or are responsible for any children, please take a few minutes to complete the quick survey emailed to you.

Support for Our Physicians During Uncertain Times
March 18, 2020
Our care and efforts are needed more than ever. We understand our physicians need support as the COVID-19 situation continues to change. To help physicians manage at work and at home, we have created a new page in Connect Today.

Support for Our Caregivers During Uncertain Times
March 18, 2020
Our care and efforts are needed more than ever. We understand our caregivers need support as the COVID-19 situation continues to change. To help caregivers manage at work and at home, we have created a new page in Connect Today.

Know Our Media Policy and Social Media Use Policy
March 17, 2020
Managing our reputation, especially during a public health crisis, is of the utmost importance. As a trusted global healthcare organization, we are looked upon for our expertise on how to address this rapidly evolving situation. Cleveland Clinic’s Media Policy and Social Media Use Policy provides all caregivers standards and guidelines for media interaction and social media use.

Cleveland Clinic K–12 Education Summer Experiences and Internship Programs Canceled
March 16, 2020
After much consideration and to protect the safety and well-being of our patients, caregivers and community, we have decided to cancel Cleveland Clinic’s K–12 Education summer experiences and internship programs. This cancellation includes the Healthcare+ Pathways® Experience, NEOREMA™ Experience, The Cleveland Clinic Louis Stokes Internship Program and Science Internship Program, all scheduled to run between June 8, 2020, and Aug. 7, 2020.

Self-Serve Food Service Changes
March 16, 2020
All self-serve food items, including salad bars, will be removed and made available in prepackaged containers.

Please Use Microsoft Teams as Your Online Meeting Collaboration Tool
March 16, 2020
Microsoft Teams should now be used for all conferences and meetings for 250 people or less.

We Are Suspending Caregiver Access to Fitness Centers Managed by Employee Wellness
March 15, 2020
Our primary concern remains the safety of our caregivers and patients. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are suspending caregiver access to all fitness centers in Ohio that are managed by Employee Wellness, and LifeStyles Centers, until further notice.

General

COVID-19 resources to support care for non-English speaking patients
April 2, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made many changes as to how we care for our patients. To support these changes, our Interpreting Services team has provided additional resources to support the care of patients that speak a foreign language or American Sign Language (ASL).

Pop-up market opens; new eatery hours at main campus
April 2, 2020
The market, open 24/7, sells prepackaged items, including: milk; eggs, bread, peanut butter, fresh produce, rolls of paper towels and toilet paper, boxed snacks and more. *All items are subject to availability and are restocked when possible.

How to stay cyber safe while working from home
April 2, 2020
Information Technology is reminding all caregivers who are working remote about the need to make sure they are protecting their information and themselves from cyber attackers.

Temporary changes to Fairview, Hillcrest pediatric inpatient units
April 2, 2020
As we continue to prepare for a potential surge of patients with COVID-19, we are temporarily closing our pediatric inpatient units at both Fairview and Hillcrest hospitals. This change takes effect April 3.

Update: postponing elective, nonessential procedures through June 15 in Ohio
April 2, 2020
Effective immediately, we are extending this suspension through June 15.

Temporary cardiology admitting services at Fairview and Hillcrest
April 1, 2020
One step we are taking to prepare for a potential surge of COVID-19 patients is a temporary creation of cardiology admitting services at both Fairview and Hillcrest hospitals, which

Café changes at Northeast Ohio regional hospitals begin April 1
March 30, 2020
Starting Wednesday, April 1, the following operational changes will be made at our cafes located in the following Northeast Ohio regional hospitals.

COVID-19 patient writes inspiring message on glass to caregivers
March 28, 2020
Nic Brown sat in isolation, struggling to survive on a ventilator, after being diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19). The one window he had to life outside his hospital room, became the most impactful window of his life.

Cleveland Clinic Launches Campaign for Northeast Ohio Community to Help in COVID-19 Response
March 26, 2020
The campaign has been launched in response to the Northeast Ohio community’s generous requests to provide assistance. Campaign priorities include donations to support caregivers, contributions of supplies, donations to COVID-19 treatment and research, supporting blood drives and making masks. These donated masks will be used to help reinforce cough etiquette in our community and will not be used by caregivers as PPE.

There are several locations for curb-side drop-off of masks and supplies. Drop-off location for caregivers at main campus is the Administrative Service Center (J1-824. off the main hallway right before Panera Bread on the left side of the hall.)

This May's Patient Experience Summit has been canceled
March 25, 2020
Cleveland Clinic and HIMSS have canceled the Patient Experience: Empathy & Innovation Summit in Cleveland, Ohio, including all preconference programs held on May 18, 2020.

Enterprise Eatery and Services Update
March 21, 2020
Please find the latest eatery and services updates as of Saturday, March 21.

We Are Now Checking Ohio Caregivers’ Temperature on Your Way Into Work
March 18, 2020
This process will be rolled out at all Cleveland Clinic Ohio patient care locations by Sunday, March 22.

Providers: Treatment Considerations for Adult and Pediatric Patients With Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19
March 18, 2020
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for the management of patients with laboratory confirmed novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19).

Update on Water Fountains and Water/Ice Dispensers
March 18, 2020
Starting Wednesday, March 18, all water fountains will be shut off in all North America locations. This includes any fountain in which a person can drink from directly.

Update on Ohio Guidelines to Postpone Elective, Nonessential Cases
March 17, 2020
This change supports statewide efforts to conserve hospital beds, equipment and supplies while protecting healthcare workers in preparation for a potential surge of patients with COVID-19.

Keeping Our Facilities Clean and Safe Is One Way We Can Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
March 17, 2020
Across the enterprise, our Environmental Services (EVS) teams are working around the clock to keep our patient and common spaces clean.

We’re Waiving Co-Pays for Express Care Online Visits
March 17, 2020
Cleveland Clinic is waiving copays and prepayment for on demand and scheduled virtual visits through Cleveland Clinic Express Care® Online for all patients — regardless of health coverage — including caregivers.

Researchers: Important Updates During COVID-19
March 16, 2020
In response to COVID-19, we have developed the following enterprise-wide research guidelines to protect our study participants and research staff.

Main Campus, Regional Libraries Closed
March 16, 2020
The Floyd D. Loop Alumni Library on main campus and the physical libraries at Fairview, Hillcrest and South Pointe hospitals have closed, effective Tuesday, March 17, until at least March 29 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.