Elective surgeries in El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson counties on hold due to COVID-19
Elective surgeries in El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson counties are on hold as officials respond to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
A letter from Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, informed county judges that the mandate went into effect Sunday.
Hellerstedt's letter said the Trauma Service Area comprised of the three counties had exceeded the 15% threshold of hospitalized patients being treated for COVID-19 for the previous seven days, sparking the suspension. The mandate will remain in effect until that number drops to 15% or less for seven consecutive days. The threshold is in Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order GA-32, issued Oct. 7.
Also as of Sunday, all restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, gyms and exercise facilities, classes, museums and libraries in the counties are required to return to maximum 50% occupancy levels.
Read more: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2020/10/19/coronavirus-el-paso-huspeth-cuberson-elective-surgeries-hold-covid-19/3713149001/