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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A large health care system is changing how it operates due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Ascension Michigan made the decision to postpone elective surgeries and procedures on March 17, according to the health system today.
The move is intended to "protect the health and safety" of its patients, providers, staff and the community.
Ascension said elective services are ones that are "non-essential at this time."
The health system added that "each case is unique," so processes are in place to review requests.
Ascension also set up coronavirus triage areas near all of its emergency departments as part of its emergency preparedness protocol.
The triage areas are at four hospitals: Ascension Borgess Hospital, Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital and Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital.
The areas will help "distance" people concerned about coronavirus exposure from patients, staff and providers.