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September 23, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
POMA continues to monitor the changing information surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
In an effort to provide accurate and helpful information to POMA members, we have gathered some of the resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time. We hope this helps you in staying on top of the latest developments in the spread of the disease and in helping your patients.
Stay safe and healthy!
New Headlines
Wolf Administration Launches "COVID Alert PA App" and Encourages PA to Unite to Stop the Spread
On Tuesday, September 22, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine launched the COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app, COVID Alert PA, to help fight the spread of the virus.
The app is free to smartphone users and can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play store. The app can detect if you have been in close contact with another user who later tested positive for COVID-19 and will send a notification to your phone called a “COVID-19 Exposure Alert”.
Additionally, the app will provide users with the latest information on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania from the department’s COVID-19 data dashboard.
The app does not enable any location services or tracks anyone and is designed to be completely anonymous. The Exposure Notification System works by using Bluetooth Low Energy, which allows phones with the app to recognize when it is close to another phone. Proximity is the only thing measured between phones, not location.
Wolf Administration Releases Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Personal Care Homes, Assisted Living Residences, and Private Intermediate Care Facilities on Testing, Visitation
The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued updated COVID-19 guidance for personal care homes, assisted living residences, and private intermediate care facilities covering screening and surveillance testing for residents and staff, expanding visitation, and circumstances when and how facilities can safely relax mitigation tactics. The guidance reflects Pennsylvania and facilities’ evolving knowledge of and experience facing COVID-19 and current best practices to protect residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
The guidance primarily adds and updates guidance for screening testing of residents and staff, compassionate care visitation policies, easing certain mitigation efforts, and lifting restrictions within these facilities.
For more information about COVID-19 mitigation guidance for DHS-licensed long-term care facilities, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.
Pennsylvania COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard Update for Sept. 11-17
Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine released the weekly status update on Monday, September 21, detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard. Updates are released each Monday.
As of Thursday, September 17, the state has seen a seven-day case increase of 5,519; the previous seven-day increase was 4,993, indicating a 526-case increase across the state over the past week.
The statewide percent-positivity went down to 3.8% from 4.2% last week. Counties with concerning percent-positivity include Centre (12.1%), Indiana (11.6%), York (7.8%), Juniata (7.7%), Mercer (6.7%), Lebanon (6.1%), Berks (6.0%), Chester (5.5%), Crawford (5.5%), and Bedford (5.3%). Each of these counties bears watching as the state continues to monitor all available data.
View the full update here.
It's Time to Get the Flu Vaccine!
The CDC is promoting the 2020-2021 flu vaccine to help protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients. September and October are good times to get a flu vaccine.
Learn more>>
Pitt Scientists Discover Tiny Antibody Component That is Highly Effective in Preventing and Treating SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Animal Models
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists have isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that completely and specifically neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the cause of COVID-19. This antibody component, which is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, has been used to construct a drug—known as Ab8—for potential use as a therapeutic and prophylactic against SARS-CoV-2.
Read more>>
Previously Published but Relevant Headlines
Trump Administration Takes Action to Expand Access to COVID-19 Vaccines
Today, under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Assistant Secretary for Health, issued guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to expand access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available. This guidance authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer, and state-licensed or registered pharmacy interns acting under the supervision of the qualified pharmacist to administer, COVID-19 vaccinations to persons ages 3 or older, subject to certain requirements.
The authorization preempts any state and local laws that prohibit or effectively prohibits those who satisfy these requirements from ordering or administering COVID-19 vaccines as set forth above. The authorization does not preempt state and local laws that permit additional individuals to administer COVID-19 vaccines to additional persons.
Click here to access a copy of the guidance - PDF
IRF QRP COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is Available
The IRF COVID-19 PR Tip Sheet is now available. The purpose of this Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting strategy for the PAC QRP in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). This Tip Sheet explains the CMS strategy to account for CMS quality data which were exempted from public reporting due to COVID-19, and the impact on CMS’ Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Compare website refreshes. Please navigate to the IRF QRP Training webpage to download this document.
Pennsylvania Suspends Licensing Requirements
Due to COVID-19, Governor Wolf has granted a number of temporary waivers for health care professionals to increase the available number of practitioners in the Commonwealth and reduce barriers to temporary licensure. Following are a list of waivers relevant for osteopathic physicians:
Click here for a complete list of suspended licensing regulations. For all licensing-related inquiries, please use the email addresses found here to contact the appropriate licensing board.
Updated Pennsylvania Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Cases, Graphics, Resources
Daily Briefings and Updates from Pa. Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine
Resources from the CDC
The CDC has provided guidance and resources for healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, as well as information for schools and childcare, businesses and employers, community and faith-based organizations, and the general public. Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage for more information.
POMA will continue monitoring COVID-19 and provide updates and recommendations from PA-DOH, the CDC, the WHO and local health agencies. POMA's COVID-19 webpage and social media channels will be updated as information is shared from these organizations.
If you have any comments or questions for POMA, please email us at [email protected].
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