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A group that represents more than 100 hospitals in Virginia is asking Gov. Ralph Northam to let the ban on non-emergency surgeries and procedures expire on Friday.

Sean Connaughton, the CEO of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, wrote to Northam on Thursday, saying the hospitals can treat both coronavirus patients and others.

“Treating COVID-19 patients in this response is a top priority for Virginia’s hospitals. As this crisis has evolved, we have gained a better understanding of our capacity to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients,” Connaughton wrote. “We believe we have the capacity to treat these patients now and as the disease progresses, while at the same time safely providing care for Virginians in need of non-urgent, but medically necessary care unrelated to COVID-19.”

On March 25, Northam and State Health Commissioner Norm Oliver directed all hospitals in Virginia to stop performing elective surgeries and procedures in an effort to conserve personal protective equipment. The order doesn’t apply to procedures where the delay “would result in the patient's condition worsening” nor does it impact abortions, among other things.

The public health emergency order is set to expire Friday.