SIOUX FALLS (March 19, 2020) – Due to the spread of COVID-19 cases, Avera is postponing some elective surgical procedures – including those at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Critical procedures needed are still available.

A multidisciplinary group of Avera physicians developed a surgical case triage protocol that outlines a phased approach to decisions about elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients whose procedures are postponed are being contacted.

This announcement is in tandem with a recommendation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today that all elective surgeries, non-essential medical, surgical and dental procedures be delayed during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.