Gov. Scott allows limited elective medical procedures

MONTPELIER- Gov. Phil Scott, at his press conference on Monday, announced that Vermont's health care system can resume some outpatient elective medical procedures and health care services.
Gov. Scott suspended all nonessential elective medical procedures, including dental procedures, in an addendum to his emergency order on March 20. The addendum was intended to "protect patients, reduce exposure to health care providers, and preserve critical personal protective equipment," and to ensure hospital resources were free to treat COVID-19 patients. Procedures that require a hospital stay, and dental procedures, are now resumed under today's order.
"While the initial restrictions were necessary we also know that the procedures that were put on hold are important to Vermonters' overall health," Gov. Scott said. "So we thank everyone for their patience as we made sure we didn't risk the ability to care for COVID-19 patients. Today, after working on a restart plan with the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, the Vermont Medical Society, Bi-state Primary Care Association, and Health First, we feel it is safe to resume more health care services in Vermont."
Scott said the administration took the step after the state's modeling data indicated that the spread of COVID-19 has slowed, and, he said, because the state's testing and tracing apparatus is up and running. "Over the last few weeks we've taken a couple of small steps to reopen our economy and put people back to work," he said. "Each week we've seen the situation improve because of Vermonters' sacrifices and their work to stay separated, which has slowed the spread of the virus. As a result, we've avoided the worst possible outcomes and saved hundreds of lives. So as we continue to see these positive trends, we can also keep slowly turning the spigot."
Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine outlined a number of guidelines health care providers must follow in providing the expanded outpatient care, including screening patients, staff, and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms, wearing proper protective gear, and all patients and their companions must wear mouth and nose coverings in public areas. The number of people conducting procedures in a room is also limited, and the seating in waiting areas must be spaced six feet apart. Certain procedures also require COVID-19 testing.
Levine said that clinics that are providing outpatient elective procedures must procure and maintain their own supplies of personal protective equipment - they cannot draw from the state's supply or supply chain.
Gov. Scott also commended the Vermont Department of Agriculture for putting together an agreement with the agricultural industry and operators of farmers markets to open farmers markets over the weekend. He said their example may provide a model for other sectors as they reopen. "As you know, this weekend our farmers markets reopened. Through an agreed upon set of guidelines, they (opened) in a way that keeps people separated and focused on food distribution," he said. "From what I saw myself and heard, they took this seriously and put public health first in a way that is a great example for others. On Friday, I also mentioned the possibility of taking a step forward on outdoor recreation this week, and our farmers markets may be a model for the 'how' in this strange new world."
 

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