Paxton orders healthcare professionals, facilities to stop all "medically unnecessary" surgeries, procedures

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement Monday warning all licensed health care professionals and facilities to postpone all surgeries and procedures not immediately medically necessary in response to COVID-19.

The release specifically names abortion providers.

"We must work together as Texans to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that our health care professionals and facilities have all the resources they need to fight the virus at this time," said Paxton in the release. "No one is exempt from the governor's executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including abortion providers. Those who violate the governor's order will be met with the full force of the law."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott passes new orders to combat coronavirus spread

In a news conference,Governor Abbott encouraged Texans to stay home and follow the executive order he signed last Friday. At this time, the governor says he does not think a stay-at-home order is necessary for Texas in response to the coronavirus

Paxton's office says that the warning is related to Gov. Greg Abbott signing an executive order Saturday that "all licensed health care professionals and all licensed health care facilities shall postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition of, 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 release said the prohibition applies throughout the state of Texas and to all surgeries and procedures not immediately medically necessary, which include routine dermatological, ophthalmological, and dental procedures, orthopedic surgeries or any type of non-medically necessary abortion to preserve the life or health of the mother.

Gov. Abbott: 334 confirmed cases, 6 deaths

As of March 22, there have been over 8000 Texans that have been tested for coronavirus. Out of those tested, there have 334 confirmed cases and 6 deaths.

Paxton's office says the COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for hospital beds and created a shortage of personal protective equipment for health care professions.

The release also says failure to comply with an executive order issued by Abbott related to COVID-19 can result in penalties of up to $1,000 in fines or 180 days in jail.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

---

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. Every weekday we're live at 12 p.m. with a special show reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

You can watch live in your FOX 7 Austin app or on the FOX 7 Austin Facebook page.

You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.