VIDEO: MU Health Care doctor believes Missouri is past its peak, discusses reopening hospital

COLUMBIA, Mo. - KMIZ

University of Missouri Health Care is starting to reopen the hospital in phases.

MU Health Care Dr. Mark Wakefield joined ABC 17's Zara Barker on ABC 17 News This Morning to talk about the latest efforts to battle COVID-19.

Wakefield said through the reopening process that MU Health will follow state and national recommendations. He also said University Hospital will still be guided by keeping patients and staff safe, maintaining social distancing and preserving personal protective equipment.

Scheduled surgeries will also start increasing at MU Health Care, but health care officials warn about a second potential spike in cases when restrictions begin to ease up.

Wakefield discussed the need to change hospital procedures, such as the waiting room, which typically means a lot of people in a small room.

He also said it is likely Missouri has passed its peak of COVID-19 cases.