Many veterinarians may have received an email from DORA sent on behalf of Governor Polis asking about personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies throughout Colorado. This was directed by Governor Polis in his March 19 executive order (D 2020 009) ordering the cessation of non-essential surgeries and procedures. Click to read the message sent by DORA on behalf of Governor Polis.
CVMA is supporting this effort by distributing this information to CVMA members. During this uncertain time, the veterinary profession will need to do its part. It is critical that veterinarians think strategically about what can be shared with our human health care partners as they respond to COVID-19.
What to do
1. Conduct an inventory to identify what amounts and types of PPE (see list below) and ventilators and anesthesia machines you have in your practice. Identify how much you think you will need to keep to continue essential and life-saving functions for several weeks.
2. If you have small quantities of excess supplies to contribute (between 1-25 boxes of PPE): Please donate the supplies to your local public health department or local hospital.
3. If you have 26+ excess boxes of PPE, or pieces of large equipment such as anesthesia machines or ventilators: Please click here to fill out this form by Friday, March 27 at noon. A representative from the State Emergency Operations Center will be in touch with you.
Veterinary professionals are asked to review their inventory for the following supplies:
- Eye protection and goggles
- Face shields
- Surgical masks – with shields
- Surgical masks – without shields
- N95 masks
- Non-sterile gloves
- Sterile gloves
- Disposable gowns
- Biohazard bags
- Anesthesia machines
- Ventilators
Governor Polis has asked veterinary professionals to keep only the bare minimum amount of supply they need to conduct essential or life-saving functions, and contribute the remainder to the state’s COVID-19 response.
How much should you keep v. how much should you donate or report on the form? It is uncertain how long COVID-19 will last and how long a supply shortage may be in effect. CVMA encourages you to use your professional judgment and discretion in determining how much your hospital will need.
As a reminder, veterinarians and other health care providers have been asked to cease all non-essential surgeries and procedures until April 14 in an effort to conserve PPE to increase their availability on the human health side.
