COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said on Wednesday that he is asking hospitals in the state to reassess procedures that were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Today, I am asking health care providers in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers to reassess those procedures and surgeries that were postponed, to talk with the patient and see if the procedure can take place,” the governor said at his daily briefing.

DeWine said they are asking doctors to review any of the postponed procedures or surgeries with patients, taking into consideration their current health and quality of life, and make a joint decision about whether to proceed.

“In addition, for new or other chronic conditions that may have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, providers and patients together may consider moving forward with diagnostic procedures,” he said.

DeWine said patients must be informed of the risk of contracting the coronavirus and impacts it would have during the post-operative recovery process.

“Patients must have the information necessary to make informed decisions and greater attention to the effectiveness of non-surgical options must be made,” he said.

In March, Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued an order postponing elective surgeries in order to preserve equipment and keep hospitals free in case of a surge in coronavirus patients.

“As we continue this phased-in approach, we are working with hospital systems, health care providers, patients, and other stakeholders to determine the next steps. Eventually, we will be reopening our doctors’ offices and dentist offices,” DeWine said. “Together, we will get back to normal.”