<div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order that temporarily restricts all non-essential veterinary procedures during the coronavirus pandemic.</p><p>The order prohibits all non-essential vet procedures beginning March 31 and encourages all vets to practice telemedicine as much as possible.</p><p>"While there is no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19, we must take additional steps to promote social distancing,” Whitmer said in a release. “If we want to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, all Michiganders must do their part, stay in their homes, and stay six feet away from others when they’re outside. We’ve taken aggressive steps in the past three weeks to slow the spread of the virus, and I will continue to work every day to ensure we protect the most people we can.” </p><p>Non-essential veterinary services means all services other than those necessary to preserve the life of a pet, treat serious pain, euthanize a pet, or prevent the transmission of any infectious disease.</p><p>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.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
