The governor signed a new series of Executive Orders late last week to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. One says that “all licensed healthcare facilities and providers halt all non-essential or elective surgeries, including elective dental surgeries, that utilize personal protective equipment or ventilators.”
This order is consistent with best-practices for preparing for a surge in demand for hospital care which we may see in the coming weeks. Hospitals all have preparedness plans to implement procedures like this – but it does take a lot of execution to make it happen. One of the judgment calls is determining what’s elective and what’s not. The Order started last Saturday.
Additional Executive Orders signed late last week require the closure of all bars, movie theaters and gyms in counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Restaurants can still provide take out. The National Guard has been activated to help grocery stores and food banks.