LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas’ governor said Wednesday said the state will ease its ban on elective surgeries during the coronavirus pandemic and will announce next week whether he’ll ease restrictions on other businesses.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the state will allow hospitals and clinics to resume some elective surgeries starting Monday. The state had ordered health providers to reschedule procedures that can be safely postponed.
State Health Secretary Dr. Nathaniel Smith said the providers will have to meet certain conditions for resuming the procedures, including requiring patients to be tested for the virus 48 hours before the procedure.
Hutchinson had previously said he hoped to begin lifting some restrictions on May 4. He said Wednesday that he will announce next week decisions on restaurants, gyms and barber shops. He said he will announce on May 4 whether to lift limits on places of worship and larger venues.
Health officials said the number of coronavirus cases reported to the state has risen to at least 2,276 people. The state cut its death count from 43 to 42 after officials removed a Missouri resident from its total.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI