Governor Eric Holcomb took a step in the path of progress in opening up the state when he signed an Executive Order Friday to allow elective medical procedures beginning on Sunday, April 27.
The order states that healthcare providers and facilities may resume the procedures as long as they have adopted policies and best practices that protect patients, physicians and staff against COVID-19. A sufficient supply of personal protective equipment is also required.
In Friday’s press conference, Governor Holcomb said the state has received information from businesses and industries about plans when the economy resumes to keep employees and consumers safe.
“Obviously, first and foremost, deal with clean spaces and hygienic advances that they’re putting into place to make sure that a safe workplace equates to, in large part, a healthy workforce,” said Governor Holcomb. “This is not just a balance but this is a necessity in this new normal that we find ourselves in.
“What we’ll be looking at for different businesses what are these new requirements and standards? We’ll post all of that. We’ll be very transparent about all of those. That’s what’s going into our next week leading up to May 1.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box added some guidelines that companies should consider.
Dr. Box commented, “Putting those barriers up and making sure that individuals have a good policy so that they’re not punished for missing work when they’re sick. There should be reinforcement for staying home and that they have the ability to miss those days. Those are really key things when you go forward as an agency.”
Governor Holcomb was not quick to give a hint as to what he’s thinking ahead of May 1, the expiration of his current stay-at-home order.
“Not today, but yes, we will. That’s the ongoing work that’s going to occur between now and May 1. We’re looking globally at all of these various sectors.
“Everyone will not go all at once. If anyone does, and I suspect we will begin to continue to open up in a very responsible, safe way to the extent that we can. Where we can’t, we won’t. We’re going to continue to look at all of those areas that drive those decisions. That’s not just the numbers, but that’s the actual outcomes from the actions that we’re taking that will continue to keep us on this current path.”
Discussions with businesses and industry will continue throughout next week.
