Central Coast Hospitals begin to reopen full services

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION)

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is one of the hospitals reopening services that were shut down as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of those include X-rays, lab work and elective surgeries that are now once again available for patients.

Steven Cabrales, Vice President of CHOMP Medical Affairs, says many people either did not come out or were unable to get certain services during the ongoing pandemic.

Cabrales says having people miss out on treatment is a concern for both the public and medical professionals.

"We were worried mostly because people really stayed away and in some cases even when they shouldn't have," says Cabrales.

"There were a lot of very sick people who were afraid to come to the hospital because they were afraid of getting the virus."

Coronavirus cases on the Central Coast are on the rise and hospital staff say this is an important time for people to come out and monitor their health.

Hospital staff on the Central Coast say they are prepared to take on more patients.

Triage areas have been set up at CHOMP and COVID-19 testing continues all over the Central Coast.

Salinas Valley Clinics are currently offering virtual visit appointments for patients.

More hospitals are making changes to accommodate patients during the pandemic but services may vary by locations.

Hospital staff encourage everyone who feels the need for medical care to call or look up their local hospitals or clinics online to find out what resources are currently available.

To find out more visit chomp.org/coronavirus or smh.com