Coronavirus latest: Updates from Congress, CDC and CMS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday updated its guidance for risk assessment and public health management of health care personnel with potential exposure to patients with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In the setting of community transmission, CDC says facilities should shift emphasis to more routine practices, which include asking health care personnel to “report recognized exposures, regularly monitor themselves for fever and symptoms of respiratory infection and not report to work when ill.” In addition, CDC says facilities could consider allowing asymptomatic health care personnel who have had exposure to a COVID-19 patient to continue to work after consultation with their occupational health program. 

The Senate today passed the $8.3 billion funding package that the House passed yesterday for COVID-19 preparedness and response. 

In other news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday said that until further notice, state agencies and accrediting organizations inspecting nursing homes and hospitals should focus “exclusively on issues related to infection control and other serious health and safety threats, like allegations of abuse.” 

Meanwhile, California declared a state of emergency yesterday due to the broader spread of COVID-19. The proclamation will “protect consumers against price gouging, allow for health care workers to come from out of state to assist at health care facilities, and give health care facilities the flexibility to plan and adapt to accommodate incoming patients.”

In a media briefing today, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “This epidemic is a threat for every country, rich and poor. As we have said before, even high-income countries should expect surprises. The solution is aggressive preparedness.”

For the latest information and resources, visit aha.org/COVID19.