As the conornavirus spreads in Michigan and taxes the capacity of health care providers, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Friday restricting nonessential medical and dental procedures.

Whitmer ordered that by 5 p.m. Saturday, hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, dental facilities and all state-operated outpatient facilities must implement a plan to temporarily postpone all nonessential procedures until the termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

That means that procedures such as routine dental cleanings, cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery and joint replacement surgery will have to be rescheduled, unless postponement would significantly impact the health and safety of the patient.

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"By postponing all nonessential medical and dental procedures, we expect to reduce the strain on the health care system and protect people," Whitmer said in a statement.

Exceptions to the order include procedures to treat advanced cardiovascular disease, cancer testing and treatment, pregnancy related visits and procedures, organ transplants and dialysis.

Dental appointments that should be postponed include cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, routine dental hygiene and orthodonic procedures that don't involve relieving pain, infection or restoring oral functions.

"Healthcare professionals are working around the clock to help protect and treat Michiganders, and by temporarily postponing nonessential procedures, this will free up staff and critical resources that will be needed to address the ongoing public health emergency that we are facing," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief deputy for health and chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Contact Kathleen Gray: 313-223-4430, kgray99@freepress.com or on Twitter @michpoligal.