HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA) — The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced elective surgeries can resume.
“We released guidance to provide a process for hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to resume elective surgeries, procedures and admissions,” Pa. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Monday.
She says procedures and admissions on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic can now go on, as long as it doesn’t jeopardize the health of patients or staff.
Allowing these procedures also shouldn’t hamper the hospital’s ability to respond to another surge in coronavirus cases, Dr. Levine says.
We released guidance to provide a process for hospitals + ambulatory surgery facilities to resume elective surgeries, procedures + admissions.
Facilities can move forward as long as safety of patients + staff isn't jeopardized + they are able to respond to #COVID19 emergencies. pic.twitter.com/QoUGwJk6QP
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) April 27, 2020
As of noon Monday, hospitals across the state reported approximately 2,799 patients are currently hospitalized because of coronavirus. Of those hospitalized, 615 need a ventilator or breathing machine.
Across the state’s healthcare system, Dr. Rachel Levine says approximately 47 percent of hospital beds, 40 percent of ICU beds and nearly 70 percent of ventilators are still available.
More information on the Coronavirus pandemic:
- CDC Coronavirus Information
- CDC Global Map of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
- Pennsylvania Department of Health Information
- Allegheny County Health Department Information
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.