COVID-19 UPDATE #224
January 25, 2022
TESTING SUPPLIES UPDATE FROM DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) has provided an update on current challenges with procuring and distributing testing supplies and steps they are taking to improve supply availability into the future. The letter dated January 25, 2022, explains the unprecedented spike in testing demand is exacerbated by a current national testing supply chain challenge that is slowing down the movement and receipt of testing supplies. As a result, DOH is temporarily shifting its COVID-19 testing supply distribution processes and prioritizing current limited resources, especially with regard to point of care antigen tests. They believe these challenges will be short-lived, and they are aware these changes may have immediate impacts on some of the ongoing response operations in healthcare settings.

The letter notes additionally that providers consider these recommendations from DOH for prioritization of testing.

Highest Priority:
  • Critical Access Hospitals
  • Long term care facilities in pending or confirmed outbreak status

Medium Priority:
  • Hospitals and clinics; FQHCs
  • Behavioral health facilities
  • Long term care facilities

Lowest Priority:
  • Medical and dental offices
  • Coroners office

The DOH is committed to keeping providers updated on the evolving supply chain shifts in the coming weeks and how that may lead to changes in their distribution strategies. All questions about current orders can be directed via email to covidtestingsupport@doh.wa.gov.
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL SUPPORT CALL FOR NURSING HOME INFECTION PREVENTIONISTS
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Puget Sound Chapter have joined together to support Infection Preventionist (IP) work in nursing homes.

The support comes in the form of a scheduled call on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 11:00 AM. This call is specific to nursing home IP staff. The call includes microlearning and a Questions & Answers session to discuss challenges and share solutions with novice and experienced IP. This call is intended to help the nursing home IP understand and meet regulatory standards related to Infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship. Please click here to see an informational flyer on how to join ipCHAT.

Thank you for all of the work that you do every day under difficult circumstances. Please make time in your schedule to join ipCHAT and receive professional IP support and information.
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATED LTC STAFF TESTING LETTER
In a letter from Seattle and King County Public Health dated January 25, 2022, all long term care providers in King County are encouraged to increase staff testing through February 18, 2022, to support early identification and isolation of COVID-19 cases.

Currently, CMS recommends skilled nursing centers test all staff twice weekly regardless of vaccination status. At this time, Seattle and King County Public Health encourages all skilled nursing facilities to increase staff testing to at least three times weekly, or more frequently if resources allow. Other facility types such as assisted living, adult family homes and supported living facilities are also encouraged to increase staff testing as frequently as resources allow, ideally 2-3 times per week.

Providers in King County can reach out to Seattle and King County Public Health for support and resources by calling (206) 477-3977 or via email to ltcfcovidsupport@kingcounty.gov.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.