Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)

Congressional leaders today reached a deal on an $8.3 billion spending package to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The House passed the bill this afternoon, and the Senate is expected to take it up soon. Select highlights of the package follow.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a number of updated resources and interim guidance documents for hospitals and health systems to prepare for and respond to the possibility of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in their community.
Health care personnel may use certain N95 and other respirators approved for use in industrial settings during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak under an emergency use authorization approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 
Six people near the Kirkland area of Washington state have died from COVID-19 complications, local health officials announced. At least five had underlying health conditions, and at least four were from the same long-term care facility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance for health care professionals evaluating and reporting patients under investigation for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack outlines the steps hospitals are taking to prepare for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The American Hospital Association and American Nurses Association urged Congress to quickly fund health care readiness for coronavirus in a joint letter.
The AHA and American Nurses Association today urged Congress to “swiftly provide” $1 billion in initial supplemental emergency funding to support the “urgent preparedness and response needs of hospitals, health systems, physicians and nurses on the front lines” of the novel coronavirus outbreak.