COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton are holding a press conference in Columbus with a daily update on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ohio Department of Health reports that there are now 14,117 confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus in the state. 610 people have died and another 2,882 have been hospitalized.
Gov. DeWine announced that the state has partially lifted its order against elective surgeries. Doctors and health care centers will be asked to reach out to patients who have delayed elective surgeries and procedures and make a decision as to when to proceed. These decision should be made "in light of their current health situation and quality of life."
"I've heard stories that some surgeries that we had no intention of stopping have been postponed," the governor said. "That has concerned me a great deal."
DeWine added that patients with chronic conditions should also be given priority as well, and doctors should consider moving forward with diagnostic procedures. However, while restrictions are partially being rolled back, patients must be informed of the risks of contracting coronavirus while in a hospital or doctor's office, and non-surgical options should also be discussed.
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