State health department says delay elective surgery due to equipment shortage

Union County Emergency Management Director Curt Clayton reports that the state health department is calling for postponement of elective surgery due a shortage of protective medical equipment connected to the coronavirus spread.

Here is the statement from the MSDH:

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) advises that given the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in Mississippi and the shortage of protective medical equipment, elective medical procedures and non-essential medical visits must be postponed at this time.

The following measures should be taken:

• Physicians, hospitals and medical centers must defer elective surgical and diagnostic procedures until COVID-19 spread has diminished and the supply of protective medical equipment is restored.
• Physicians and providers should reschedule non-urgent medical appointments for a later date.
• Dentists must delay non-emergency or routine dental procedures.
• Patients should reschedule any non-essential procedures, surgeries or medical visits until the threat of COVID-19 is diminished

These measures will protect patients and healthcare professionals by minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19 and preserving valuable protective equipment.

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