Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announces elective surgeries to resume May 1

Apr 22, 2020, 4:32 PM | Updated: Apr 23, 2020, 2:32 pm

(Twitter photo/Peter Samore)

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Wednesday that hospitals and outpatient surgical centers can resume elective surgery procedures beginning May 1.

Ducey signed an executive order last month prohibiting elective surgeries. It took effect on March 21 and was implemented to conserve personal protective equipment for use by medical workers treating coronavirus patient.

Medical facilities must demonstrate adequate capacity in order to administer the procedures, Ducey said during a press conference.

“Last week our hospitals asked for authorization to resume elective surgeries,” Ducey said.

“So today I am issuing an executive order authorizing hospitals and outpatient surgical centers … to resume elective surgeries.”

Ducey’s decision comes amid growing pressure to reopen the state. While other states have announced plans to reopen and hundreds of Arizona residents have protested coronavirus restrictions at the state capitol, Wednesday’s executive order marks the first time Ducey has rescinded an executive order related to the outbreak.

The governor added that today’s decision was made after health care facilities and their staffs have confirmed having sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment.

“Our hospitals and health care experts have told his they have acquired adequate supplies [of PPE] so those elective surgeries that have been delayed or those outpatient surgical centers … can open again.”

Additional requirements for medical facilities to resume elective surgeries include implementing enhanced cleaning of waiting areas, a universal screening process for staff, patients, and visitors and prioritizing elective procedures based on medical urgency.

Ducey also said he will not make a decision on his stay-at-home executive order — which is set to expire on April 30 — until sometime next week.

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