After more than a year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, many may still be wondering if it's safe to go through with surgeries.It's officially "Patient Safety Awareness Week" and the American Society of Anesthesiologists is encouraging people to get the surgeries they need.Dr. Beverly Philip, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, said in addition to patients getting the care they need, she said people should get vaccinated at least two weeks before a procedure."The COVID vaccine has no effect whatsoever on the anesthesia or the surgery," Philip said.According to the ASA, patients who undergo surgery while sick with the coronavirus can have a more difficult time recovering.Philip said one of the biggest issues has to do with lung function and increased complications from people still recovering from COVID-19.When it comes to the measures medical professionals are taking, Philip said staff in the operating room now wear safety goggles and N-95 masks rather than a basic surgical mask.Philip believes that policy will likely remain in place indefinitely.Another safety policy sticking around: Families likely won't be able to visit patients in the hospital anytime soon.Philip also said pre-evaluations conducted over the phone are now more important than ever, as are coronavirus tests which are typically required within 72 hours of a procedure.Again, Philip is reminding people to move forward with any medical treatments needed even if the pandemic is still a factor. She said the ASA expects safety procedures at hospitals to remain in place for at least the next year.