LANSING, MI -- As part of a new executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday, nonessential medical services can begin again starting Friday, May 29. Medical, dental and veterinary procedures can begin at that time after being restricted amid Michigan’s coronavirus outbreak.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society welcomed the news during the governor’s press conference Thursday, saying the industry is ready to get back to work.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be here on behalf of Michigan’s physician community, because to put it plainly, we would like to get back to taking care of our patients and catching up on a lot of work that has been put on hold,” Mukkamala said.
Mukkamala praised the work of front-line workers who have been battling the virus in hospitals and health care facilities across the state.
“The hours have been long and exhausting. With great risk to their own health and safety. Yet they rose to meet these needs of very sick patients,” Mukkamala said.
Still, Makkamala said he understands there are residents in the state concerned about the spread of the virus and fearful of visiting their doctor in person. Makkamala strongly urged them not to hesitate if they are ill.
“Right now, many people are rightly worried about COVID-19 and how it may affect them. They’re also worried about their safety in getting routine care to those in Michigan needing medical care. My message is clear. Call your doctor,” Makkamala said. “We are ready to see you. And with the governor’s announcement today, we are able to safely welcome you to our offices, to answer your questions and provide the care that you need.”
Mukkamala said the health care community can now begin to treat Michiganders who are in need of services unrelated to COVID-19. By utilizing technology such as Facetime, Zoom, video conferencing and the old fashioned telephone, doctors also have various options to treat patients without necessarily having them come to a physical office. Those options became available as doctors treated COVID-19 patients and will now be available for more standard medical examinations as well.
“With this announcement that allows us to resume taking care of our patients in ways that are much more effective, and healing them. We are ready to get Michigan healthy and well again,” Mukkamala said. “The physician patient relationship is a crucial one. It is built on openness, trust and care.”
Health care facilities that reopen next week will be required to adhere to strict protocols to prevent infection. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue guidance to aid those facilities in adopting appropriate safeguards, the state said Thursday.
“As businesses continue to reopen, it’s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and their families,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun in the release. “I know that as medical professionals begin offering nonessential procedures again, they will do everything in their power to protect patients and their families from COVID-19. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our partners across Michigan to protect our families and lower the chance of a second wave.”
PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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