On Tuesday, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-51, which lifts restrictions on doctors, dentists, and veterinarians to perform some elective surgeries and procedures. The facilities must submit a safety plan compliant with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines before opening.

Senate Finance Chairwoman Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) issued the following statement in response:

“I am thankful the governor decided to ease restrictions on elective procedures. My Senate colleagues and I have been recommending this step to him for a while now. Hospitals have had to lay off staff, reduce nurse and doctor pay, and make other difficult budget cuts. Patients have had to forgo important care. These are sacrifices they willingly made at the outset of this virus, but the damage is undeniable. Now that we are certain hospitals and clinics will have enough beds and supplies to manage a possible surge of coronavirus patients, it is time to start the slow process of safely returning to normal. This is great news for the hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals who work to keep us safe and healthy every day.”

Senator Rosen was one of 76 legislators who recently sent a letter to the governor urging him to lift the ban on elective surgeries.