On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order allowing doctors, dentists, and veterinarians to perform some elective surgeries and procedures after completing a plan complying with requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Health – a move that state Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) called for last week.

Senator Nelson issued the following statement applauding the decision:

“This is fantastic news. I encouraged Gov. Walz to rescind his previous order because it is time to allow medical institutions to determine on an individual basis if and how they can safely perform elective procedures. With the governor’s own models suggesting a peak in COVID cases coming later this summer, it’s more important than ever for patients who have been forgoing care to receive that care immediately. Allowing elective procedures is not just good for patients’ health, it’s good for the health of medical facilities all over the state who have been forced to make layoffs, furloughs, or pay reductions to stay afloat – including institutions like Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center.

“The health and safety of the public, of patients receiving care, and of the medical professionals on the front lines must be our foremost priority. But the faster we can get hospitals and clinics back to normal, the better it will be for our overall health and wellbeing. I thank the governor for listening to our concerns and lifting restrictions on certain elective procedures.”