Governor Abbott Requires Postponement of Medical & Dental Procedures Deemed Non-Medically Necessary

During Governor Abbott’s press conference on March 22, 2020 at 3:00 PM updating Texans on COVID-19, the Governor confirmed 334 persons testing positive for COVID-19 according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. He added that data from Johns Hopkins shows that 566 persons across Texas tested positive for COVID-19 including those that are presumed positive, but not yet confirmed. Both sources cite 6 confirmed deaths. He stressed the need for Texas to maximize its capacity for medical professionals, hospital beds, and the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

In his new executive order, that goes into effect immediately, Governor Abbott is requiring all Texas-licensed health care professionals to postpone all medical procedures, including dental procedures, that are not medically necessary until midnight April 21, 2020. There are penalties for failure to comply. This action is necessary to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Since local governments may have orders that are stricter than Governor Abbott’s executive orders, dentists are also advised to consult their county’s COVID-19 disaster declaration(s).

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