State asks Alaska healthcare providers to postpone non-urgent procedures

The entrance to the emergency room at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. (Josh Edge/Alaska Public Media)

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services on Monday asked health care providers to consider minimizing, postponing or canceling all non-urgent or elective procedures for the next three months “to decrease the overall impact on the Alaska health care structure.”

The recommendation comes from U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and the American College of Surgeons. In a statement, the Alaska health department strongly advised Alaskans to follow the guidance.

Read more coronavirus coverage from Alaska Public Media

“Given Alaska’s distances and limited health care capacity, it is especially important to open acute health care beds for anticipated COVID-19 care,” the statement said. “The state of Alaska believes that by delaying non emergent procedures, individuals will receive optimal care.”

Related: Anchorage suspends restaurant dining, bar service

Previous articleAlaska’s chief justice shuts down all new jury trials
Next articleAnchorage suspends restaurant dining, bar service