Governor Andy Beshear announced that today, April 27th, the state will begin the process of reopening phase one healthcare services and facilities.

According to the governor, these facilities will operate much differently than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. What this means is that health care providers may resume non-urgent and emergency health care services, along with diagnostic and lab services. That includes outpatient services, clinical and medical offices, physical therapy, chiropractic services, optometrists, and dental offices.

During his daily news conference last Thursday, the governor said that this reopening, if done right, would be their “proof of concept”.

“And it’s no mistake that we’re doing it in the health care arena,” he continued, “which ought to be the area that can respond the fastest to any issues that arise with the Coronavirus, should be the most aware of the procedures — the PPE and the rest — and ought to give us a good look at what this is going to look like as we do it in other areas.”

This reopening does not, however, apply to elective surgeries or procedures which will be addressed at a later phase. The same goes for similar services in nursing homes and prisons.

“This is intended to be a phased, gradual reopening so that we can do this thoughtfully, safely, and see the consequences of our actions to make the necessary adjustments,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Department for Public Health.

Image courtesy of fox19.com