Coronavirus

4:13 PM, Feb 27, 2020

Actions

Dental, veterinary services can resume non-essential procedures today in Michigan

Posted at 9:27 AM, May 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-29 09:27:05-04

Starting today, the governor lifted restrictions on medical, dental and veterinary services.

These facilities can resume non-essential procedures.

Procedures that didn't get taken care of in the last two months, but they're ready to start routine operations.

"There will be some transition where we start allowing some people in the building, probably one person at a time, instead multiple people with their pets," said Dr. Michael Hood with Greenfield Animal Hospital.

From pets to people, procedures deemed non-essential for veterinary, dental and medical services start back Friday.

Like Duncan Currie's hip replacement, which was scheduled in April.

He says he got a phone call the procedure was postponed because of COVID-19, followed recently by another message.

"I got a call back about two or three weeks ago, saying they're doing them again and that was gratifying I'm glad I got that call," said Duncan Currie, a patient awaiting hip replacement.

Last week, Governor Whitmer announced she'd loosen restriction, ending this part of her executive orders.

"I just want to get things back to normal and stop doing 'bandaid' treatment in terms of what we were allowed to do," said Dr. Zafar Tariq of Smile Innovations.

When it comes to coronavirus risk exposure, Dr. Zafar Tariq says dentists and hygienists are near the top of the list. But he says he's excited to reopen with a plan in place to keep the transmission risk low.

"Document what room they sanitized, when they sanitized it and what surfaces they disinfected," said Dr. Zafar Tariq.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

Also, get information about Rebound Mid Michigan, with stories, information and more about coming back from COVID-19

Join the Rebound Mid Michigan Facebook Group.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.