Virginia to allow non-emergency doctor visits later this week

[Right_in_Virginia]

Virginia to allow non-emergency doctor visits later this week
The Hill, Apr 30, 2020

Virginia will allow non-emergency doctor visits to resume Friday after an emergency public health order expires, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced Wednesday.

Northam signed an executive order temporarily suspending elective surgeries in late March, saying it was a necessary step to free up personal protective equipment (PPE) and hospital space for the treatment of coronavirus patients. The order is set to expire at midnight Thursday, and Northam said that state PPE supplies have stabilized while hospitalizations have flattened, making an extension of the order unnecessary.

“Our efforts to slow the spread of this virus are showing success. Our hospitals are not seeing a surge of patients,” Northam said.

The data indicate Virginia is on track to begin a broader reopening May 8, Northam said, but the order remains subject to extension based on case data.

“We’re looking at trends and I think that’s important for everyone to understand,” Northam said. “Our numbers haven’t flattened out yet.”

The expiration of the order will also allow non-emergency dental procedures to resume under safety guidelines issued by the Virginia Dental Association.


More: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/495492-virginia-to-allow-non-emergency-doctors-visits-later-this-week