Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska to Begin Allowing Elective Surgeries
Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska are among the first states to begin reopening their economies, including allowing elective surgeries to resume, following the release of new guidance from the White House this week, according to a FierceHealthcare report.
Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued three executive orders, including an order that loosens restrictions on surgeries put in place in March. From April 21 through May 8, the order says health providers should continue to postpone elective procedures with the exception of those procedures that would not be expected to deplete hospital capacity or personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to cope with COVID-19 or any procedure performed in a facility that has certified it will reserve at least 25% of its hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients and will not request PPE from any public source for the duration of the crisis.