Gov. Walz Signs Executive Order To Restart Elective Surgeries

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Tuesday signed Executive Order 20-51, providing a roadmap for restarting elective surgeries at hospitals and clinics. Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering these procedures that treat chronic conditions, prevent and cure disease, and relieve chronic pain.

"Minnesota has made significant progress in building up critical resources to combat COVID-19," Walz said in a. statement. "We’re proud that this progress will allow our medical professionals to safely resume certain procedures to keep Minnesotans healthy and improve their quality of life."

Two previous executive orders sign by Walz delayed non-essential and elective surgeries to preserve resources and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Since these orders were issued, Minnesota has made headway in securing additional personal protective equipment and improving testing and hospital surge capacity, according to Walz's office.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.