Gov. Walz Signs Order to Safely Restart Elective Surgeries

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday that provides a roadmap for safely restarting elective surgeries from a variety of providers as early as next week.

According to the the official release from the governors office, Executive Order 20-51 says that "doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering these procedures, which can treat chronic conditions, prevent and cure disease, and relieve chronic pain."

Furthermore, the order will "allow hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics – whether veterinary, medical, or dental – to resume many currently-delayed procedures once facilities have developed criteria for determining which procedures should proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a plan to maintain a safe environment for facility staff, patients, and visitors."

Governor Walz said the order was signed because Minnesota has made strides in building up resources needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Doing so allows medical professionals to safely resume the procedures covered under the newly signed order.

If you have been putting off medical care which is now being made available under Executive Order 20-51, please contact your provider to discuss a plan to safely move forward with your healthcare.