The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and there is a lot of uncertainty about what the battle against the virus will entail. For now, there have been 7,851 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota and 455 deaths related to the virus. Unfortunately, this number will most likely increase. Governor Walz has announced that we have not reached the peak yet and that this situation will get worse before it improves. To combat this pandemic effectively, Gov. Walz has decided to take baby steps forward regarding healthcare options. 

During his daily briefing on Tuesday, May 5, Gov. Walz signed Executive Order 20-51. This order gives doctors, dentists, and veterinarians the ability to perform elective surgeries and procedures using ventilators. Elective surgeries are simply operations that have been scheduled in advance. Gov. Walz stated, “We believe that this move, with feedback specifically from a lot of health care providers and folks involved in this, that we’re prepared to do it.”

 Although Gov. Walz has a lot of faith in his decision, others are wary of the situation. In fact, some Minnesota nurses and frontline healthcare personnel aren’t fully on board. For starters, they are worried about running out of supplies. As most people already know, ventilators and protective masks have been in shortage recently due to the virus. Healthcare workers are nervous that performing additional surgeries may cut into their small stash of supplies. 

But, in an attempt to address the concerns, Gov. Walz has been communicating with those in healthcare directly. In addition, he has been following the guidelines of the CDC and using their protocols when making tough decisions. Gov. Walz announced, “With the decisions that have been made and the social distancing that Minnesotans have done, and the state has a good handle on what the PPE inventory is. We’re able to resume the elective surgeries and procedures.”