March 19, 2020 10:00 a.m.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown has directed all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics, health care providers, including veterinarians and dentists, to cease all non-emergency procedures.
Brown said the move is needed to preserve personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks, gowns and gloves, for health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.
The order also limits visitation in hospitals to protect health care workers and at-risk patients from the spread of COVID-19.
Brown said “if we do not take immediate action, the surge in demand in our hospitals for masks, gowns and gloves will quickly outstrip the limited supplies we have available”. Brown thanked health care providers, including dentists and veterinarians, “who have already preserved and donated their critical supplies”.