Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recommended that patients postpone dental and veterinary procedures and is expected to give guidance on elective medical procedures March 16, cleveland.com reports.
Three key insights:
1. The decision came after Ohio confirmed 26 cases of COVID-19, and as officials reported a shortage of fitted surgical N95 masks manufactured in China.
2. Ohio has received a shipment of masks from a national stockpile, but Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, MD, said it's nowhere near what healthcare providers will need.
3. For now, Ohio officials have only recommended diverting masks from elective surgery or ambulatory procedures. It's possible that such action will at some point be required.