Gov. Abbott suspends elective surgeries in Atascosa County


Texas Governor Greg Abbott suspended elective surgeries in all counties within 11 Traumatic Service Areas (TSAs), including Atascosa County, on Thursday, July 9, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Governor.

Gov. Abbott’s proclamation will postpone elective surgeries “that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who, without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure, would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician,” the press release said. The move was made to preserve bed space in Texas hospitals.

“The State of Texas continues to implement strategies to help ensure ample supply of COVID-19 patients,” Gov. Abbott said in a statement. “By expanding this directive to include the counties within these 11 TSAs, we are freeing up more resources to address upticks in COVID-19 related cases. The State of Texas will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of this virus and support our hospitals and health care professionals as they care for their fellow Texans. We must all come together and continue to practice social distancing, wear a face covering in public and stay home when possible.”

On Thursday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 31 new active cases of the coronavirus in Atascosa County, putting the total number of active cases at 118, according to the Atascosa County Emergency Management Office. The Pleasanton Emergency Operations Center reported two new active cases in the city on Thursday, as well, putting Pleasanton’s number of active cases at six.

Initially under Executive Order no. GA-27, issued on June 25, elective surgeries were postponed in Bexar, Cameron, Dallas, Harris, Hidalgo, Nueces, Travis and Webb Counties.

Atascosa County is part of TSA P, which includes most of the San Antonio area.

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