Governor Kate Brown has directed all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics, and health care providers, including veterinarians and dentists, to cease all non-emergency procedures, in order to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, gowns, and gloves, for health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.
The forthcoming order also limits visitation in hospitals to protect health care workers and at-risk patients from the spread of COVID-19.
Charles Boyle, a spokesman for Brown’s office, said a non-emergency procedure refers to any procedure that can be postponed unless there is a risk of permanent harm from delaying the procedure.