Governor removes restrictions on elective procedures

September 17, 2020 —  Elective surgeries at hospitals can proceed in most areas in Texas, according to an executive order issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

The order allows elective procedures at hospitals in any Trauma Service Area (TSA) in which hospitalized COVID-19 patients make up less than 15% of all hospitalizations for seven consecutive days. 

All but three of the state’s 22 TSAs meet this criteria, according to the governor’s office. TSAs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and Victoria — areas Governor Abbott said were still “in the danger zone”  — remain excluded. 
 

COVID-19 resources
This is a developing issue, and we encourage you to use the following resources to stay informed with the most up-to-date and reliable information:

• Texas Medical Association (TMA) COVID-19 Resource Center
• Texas Medical Board (TMB) COVID-19 page
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 resource page
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) COVID-19 webpage