Governor Hochul signs executive order to halt non-emergency surgeries

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order Friday that could affect elective medical procedures.

The order allows the health department to limit non-essential, non-urgent procedures at some hospitals. The governor says it’s urgent action to boost hospital capacity and address staffing shortages before a possible spike in COVID-19 cases.

The new protocols are set to begin Friday, December 3rd.

This comes as a new COVID variant, the Omicron variant, is causing much concern around the world. It has not yet been detected here in New York State, but Hochul warns that it is only a matter of time.