Nassau and Suffolk counties are the first in the downstate region to allow elective surgeries to resume after tens of thousands were canceled because of the coronavirus.

Surgeries that were considered nonessential were not able to be performed over the last two months so that hospitals could make sure they had enough beds and medical staff available to deal with the surge of coronavirus patients.

Hospital administrators say they have created safe pathways for elective surgery patients from the front door of their hospitals to pre-surgical testing to the operating and recovery rooms.

Huntington Hospital Executive Director Dr. Nick Fitterman shared when the green light was given to Suffolk County, that those with the greatest need for surgeries would be scheduled first -- like surgeries for those battling diseases like cancer.

Huntington Hospital and Plainview Hospital will once again be allowing visitors in to see their loved ones as part of a two-week pilot program they are participating in. Upon arrival, visitors could get their temperature taken and may be asked to share if they have had any symptoms of the coronavirus. Visitors will be given PPE by the hospitals too.

As part of the program though, only one visitor will be allowed per patient.

Debbie Solarino says she is excited to see her mother, Norma. The 93-year-old broke her arm after a fall and is at Huntington Hospital. Because hospitals were forced to restrict visitors due to the pandemic, Solarino hasn't seen her mom since March.

Paramedic supervisor Tommy Wittmer had a weight loss procedure originally scheduled for March 16. He is looking forward to having it done soon.

Doctors say there is such a backlog of elective surgeries that cases will be scheduled on a priority basis.

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyondGov. Cuomo gives Nassau green light to begin elective surgeries Gov. Cuomo: Suffolk County hospitals can begin scheduling elective surgeries