All Members Will Be Invited to Provided Input

The Executive Board has approved the development of a new strategic plan for the Medical Society of Delaware. This will build off our last strategic plan which was completed in 2015. MSD has engaged Aloysius Butler and Clark (AB&C), a marketing communications company headquartered in Wilmington, and specifically David Brond, AB&C’s vice president of strategy and planning, to facilitate our planning process. During development of our new three-year plan, which is anticipated to take six months to complete, we will be conducting primary research and holding several group meetings to define and prioritize measurable goals, strategies and action steps for MSD.

All MSD members can expect to be asked for input into the plan at some point during the planning process through focus groups, surveys, and other means. In addition, a diverse, multidisciplinary strategic plan steering committee comprised of our members, staff and important stakeholders will be formed to assist in guiding the strategic plan development.

We welcome your involvement and ideas and thank you in advance for your valuable contribution. Look for more information in the coming weeks!

Underinvestment, Workforce Shortages, and Lack of Research Funding Threaten the Future of America's Primary Care

The first national primary care scorecard, co-funded by the Milbank Memorial Fund and The Physicians Foundation, finds a chronic lack of adequate support for the implementation of high-quality primary care across the United States. The Health of US Primary Care: A Baseline Scorecard Tracking Support for High-Quality Primary Care offers unprecedented baseline trend data for the nation and, when available, for states across four key dimensions: financing, access, workforce development, and research. Developed in collaboration with researchers at the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Robert Graham Center, the scorecard provides a long overdue measurement tool, and critical starting point, to track the health of primary care nationwide to inform federal and state policies. Scorecard findings are available in the report and a companion online dashboard.

Free Coronavirus Vaccines After End of PHE, Regardless of Ability to Pay

As the public health emergency ends, the United States government will no longer be providing vaccines at no cost. Facing repercussion after announcing it could charge between $110 and $130 per dose when there is a shift from government contracts to commercial distribution for COVID-19 vaccines, Moderna recently announced the vaccine will continue to be available at no cost for insured people whether they receive them at their physicians' offices or local pharmacies. For uninsured or underinsured people, Moderna's patient assistance program (available after the expiry of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023) will provide COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. The company pledged to ensure continued access to the vaccine once the government ends its public health emergency on May 11th.

Risk of Detector Fall That May Injure Patients - Class I Recall

GE HealthCare is recalling the Nuclear Medicine 600 and 800 Series systems after identifying an issue with two mechanisms that prevent uncontrolled detector movement. First, there is a risk that the ball screw that serves as design mitigation for the suspended mass of the detector may fail. Additionally, some devices are also missing a safety key that should prevent the detector from a catastrophic fall when the ball screw fails. If the ball screw fails and the safety key is missing, the 1212-pound (550-kg) detector could fall, potentially crushing or trapping a patient, which may result in serious injury or death. There have been eight complaints, no injuries, and no deaths reported related to this issue. On December 18, 2022, GE HealthCare sent an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter to inform of the issue. The letter recommended to stop the use of these Nuclear Medicine systems until an inspections is completed by GE HealthCare service technicians. It also requested that customers complete an Acknowledgement Response form. As of January 13th GE reported that customers will be contacted by a GE HealthCare representative to arrange for the inspection and any needed corrections. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.

Concerns of Potential Bacterial Contamination

As reported in the February 2, 2023, issue of MSD eNews and Views, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had issued an advisory about its investigation of a potentially related string of some 56 Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cases and warned against using the EzriCare or Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears products. Most patients with the infections reported using more than 10 different brands of artificial tears. The majority of patients who used artificial tears reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multi-dose bottles.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday this week widened the advisory on artificial tear products to include additional ones manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare Private Limited over concerns of a potential bacterial contamination that could result in blindness or death. The FDA warning now urges consumers and health care professionals not to use EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment, which are intended to be sterile. The cases span 13 states and include five reports of vision loss and one death, according to the CDC’s latest update. Delaware is not listed as one of the 13 states, however, New Jersey is. FDA encourages health care professionals to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program: 

• Complete and submit the report online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm; or
• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178. 

Updated Guidance from CMS

In certain circumstances, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) using section 1135 of the Social Security Act (SSA) can temporarily modify or waive certain Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or HIPAA requirements, called 1135 waivers. There are different kinds of 1135 waivers, including Medicare blanket waivers. When there's an emergency, sections 1135 or 1812(f) of the SSA allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue blanket waivers to help beneficiaries access care. When a blanket waiver is issued, physicians do not need to apply for an individual 1135 waiver. 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced earlier this month that the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 will end on May 11, 2023. Some of the flexibilities that were created during the pandemic were recently expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Others, while critical during the initial responses to COVID-19, are no longer needed. CMS has made further updates to its CMS Emergencies Page with useful information – specifically around major telehealth and individual waivers – that were initiated during the PHE. Please reference the following guidance in response to the PHE ending May 11, 2023: Provider-specific fact sheets about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers.

CDC Report Raises Urgency to Invest in Schools to Help Struggling Youth

According to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data recently released, nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade. While all teens reported increasing mental health challenges, experiences of violence, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, girls fared worse than boys across nearly all measures. The new report also confirms ongoing and extreme distress among teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning (LGBQ+). Read more.

Spotlight on Nancy Fan, MD, Delaware's Representative and Alternate Delegate of the OMSS Governing Council

As the Delaware representative for the Organized Medical Staff Section (OMSS) of the American Medical Association (AMA), I have been involved with member engagement initiatives for the OMSS. The mission of the OMSS is to advocate for the interests

of practicing physicians nationwide, independent or employed, in any interaction with hospitals, health care systems, and national health care policymakers. The OMSS was established within the AMA in 1984 as the Hospital Section and has grown into the renamed Organized Medical Staff Section in 1994 to more accurately reflect the work we do on behalf of all physicians within a medical staff. Please view this short Facebook Live video to see who the OMSS is and what it does. Dr. Fan served as MSD President from November 2013 - December 2015.

Quality Insights / American Heart Month

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is focusing on empowering Black adults to take small steps to prevent heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one contributor to racial disparities in life expectancy in the United States. Black adults are twice as likely as White adults to die from preventable heart disease. Black adults also have higher rates of high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of CVD. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the primary contributor to the higher rates of disease and death from CVD among Black adults compared to White adults. Join Quality Insights as they amplify the CDC Foundation’s Live to the Beat campaign to help address these disparities. This campaign is working with the Million Hearts® initiative to help reduce CVD risk among Black adults aged 35 to 54. It encourages people to take small steps to move more, eat better, quit smoking, and address key risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

Help engage and empower Black adults in your community by sharing the provided resources.

• Live to the Beat Video Public Service Announcements – These videos can be used on your website or in your lobby
• Pulse Check – An interactive roadmap for learning about small steps to improve heart health
• Watch Out for Sneaky Sodium Video
• Keep Your Cholesterol in Check Video
• My Blood Pressure Wallet Card
• My Heart Health Tracker

Quality Insights is a 2023 Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner with the Medical Society of Delaware.

Helping to Determine Suitability for Donation, Transplant

The Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) announced a new project with the Gift of Life program. Staff members from Gift of Life, Delaware's approved organ procurement organization, have been trained as users of DHIN's Community Health Record and will use it to help determine the suitability for organ, tissues and eye donation. Access to the medical information of potential donors and recipients will help determine suitability for transplant and ultimately helping to save lives. Senate Bill 87, signed into law by Governor Carney in 2021, permits DHIN to provide access to the Gift of Life program, ensuring the partnership will benefit patients in Delaware and surrounding areas.

CMS Accepting Applications in Two-Year Extension of BPCI Advanced Model

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is now accepting applications from Medicare-enrolled health care professionals, suppliers, and Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to participate in the forthcoming two-year extension of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced Model. The BPCI Advanced Model tests whether linking payments for an episode of care will encourage health care professionals to make changes to improve care coordination and reduce expenditures while maintaining or improving the quality of care for patients. The BPCI Advanced Model launched in 2018 and was originally set to end on December 31, 2023. This extension allows for additional testing throughout 2024 and 2025, with the model ending on December 31, 2025. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Review the Model Overview Fact Sheet- Model Year 6 and watch a short Model Overview animated video for more information. The Request for Applications for Model Year 7 (2024) and supporting materials can be found on the BPCI Advanced Applicant Resources webpage.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a virtual webinar on March 9, 2023 to provide a general overview of the BPCI Advanced Model and the new application opportunity for the two-year extension. Information on this webinar is as follows:

BPCI Advanced Model Overview and Request for Applications MY7 (2024) Webinar

Thursday, March 9th at 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET

Register to attend here:

https://deloitte.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NXLqpqjYTmaMw0Y-Vv2n-Q

FDA Evaluating Potential Exposure

In a letter to health care professionals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing physicians, other health care professionals, and facilities that the FDA is evaluating the potential for exposure to airborne chemicals that may be released from neonatal incubators. The FDA is working with manufacturers of neonatal incubators to collect and evaluate data from their products to determine whether airborne chemicals such as formaldehyde, cyclohexanone, and other volatile chemicals are released, and if so, the amount of exposure and the potential risks to health from such exposure, if any. Currently, the FDA is not aware of any reported adverse events related to the use of neonatal incubators and exposure to these airborne chemicals. The FDA recognizes that neonatal incubators are critical to patient care, and providers should continue to use these devices.   

Pre-Pregnancy Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) posted a draft recommendation statement on folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects. The Task Force recommends that anyone who is planning to or could become pregnant take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid. This is an A grade. According to the draft recommendation statement, the ruling does not apply to persons who previously had a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects or those who are at very high risk due to other factors. While all pregnancies are at risk for neural tube defects, there are certain factors that can increase risk. This includes having a family history of neural tube defects, having difficulties absorbing the nutrients from food because of weight loss surgery, having diabetes or obesity, and taking certain anti-seizure medications. Additionally, Hispanic and Latina people are at increased risk of developing neural tube defects. It is unclear whether this risk is related to genetics or due to food preferences. The Task Force’s draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review have been posted for public comment on the Task Force website at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Comments can be submitted from February 21, 2023, to March 20, 2023, at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

The Joint Commission Updates Terminology

Effective July 1, 2023, The Joint Commission is eliminating the term licensed independent practitioner for its home care and laboratory programs. The revisions are consistent with current terminology used by the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation. The updated terminology better reflects the full scope of practice of licensed practitioners allowed by their license and permitted by state and federal law and regulation while keeping the intent of the requirement. The revisions streamline terminology and simplify elements of performance by eliminating the detailed lists of individuals to whom the elements of performance apply. This primarily relates to the use of staff in the “Environment of Care,” “Emergency Management," “Infection Prevention and Control,” “Life Safety” (home care only), and “Waived Testing” chapters. The term staff encompasses physicians, other licensed practitioners, students, volunteers, contract staff, and other staff when the element of performance does not address roles and responsibilities related to care, treatment, or services unless conditions of participation require further specification.

Record High Set for January 2023

Over the past three months (November and December 2022 and January 2023), preliminary data indicates that suspected overdose deaths in Delaware have increased. Suspected accidental overdose data is reported by the Division of Forensic Science (DFS) and is considered preliminary until all data is finalized. Since November, the average monthly increase of suspected overdose deaths is 18.4%. In January 2023, 53 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, which represents a 47% increase over January 2022, when 36 suspected overdose deaths were reported. According to DFS, most overdose deaths involve more than one substance. Unknown to the potential user, fentanyl is being added to drugs like counterfeit anxiety medication and pain medication. There are fentanyl analogs being identified such as para-fluorofentanyl which is consistent with surrounding areas like Baltimore and Philadelphia. Additionally, Delaware agencies have observed an increase in xylazine in surrounding states. Xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, has recently been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide. According to DFS, xylazine has been identified in overdose deaths in Delaware, and the Delaware State Police (DSP) also confirmed that between October 2021 and January 2023, xylazine was present in 283 cases. According to DSP, these samples are the only ones that were scheduled for trial. Of those 283 cases, xylazine was mainly found alongside or found in combination with powder/chunks or illicit prescription drugs. Additionally, xylazine-positive cases have been found in combination with fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, tramadol, and methamphetamine. It is packaged in blue or white glassine wax-type bags. It is important to note that xylazine is not an opioid, therefore Narcan (an opioid overdose reversal medication) will not be as effective in overdoses containing xylazine. 

In response to increasing overdose deaths, the Division of Public Health (DPH) has increased its messaging around fentanyl including targeting messaging to recreational drug users such as youth through its fentanyl campaign. Additionally, DPH has detailed information about fentanyl on whatisfentanyl.com. Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are available through HelpisHereDE.com. According to data from the Division of Forensic Science, a majority of people who have died from an accidental overdose had multiple drugs in their systems. No drug that is not prescribed by a medical doctor is safe. The State of Delaware is continually monitoring surrounding states and improving internal surveillance to report to the public which substances are being identified. 

Congratulations to Theodore F. Saad, MD

MSD member Theodore F. Saad, MD, Head of Interventional Nephrology and Clinical Research for Nephrology Associates, P.A. and Chief of Section (Nephrology) at Christiana Care Health System, has been honored by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN) as the 2023 Gerald Beathard Award recipient. This prestigious award is given in honor of teaching excellence, scholarly activity, and clinical excellence. It is named after Gerald Beathard, a pioneer in the field.

Dr. Saad has revolutionized dialysis access care for hemodialysis patients in Delaware, the country, and worldwide through his dedication and hard work. He has published numerous papers on dialysis vascular access and is often cited by other interventional nephrology experts. It is a rare achievement for those in private practice to be recognized at this level. For Dr. Saad, this work is, without a doubt, a labor of love. His advocacy for his patients and the field of nephrology is an example for all of us. We are proud to call him a colleague and a friend. 

Congratulations to Bhaskar S. Palekar, MD

MSD member Bhaskar S. Palekar, MD was presented with the 2022 Physician Philanthropy Award by the Beebe Medical Foundation in honor of his lifelong impact to Beebe Healthcare, the community, and his many years of service. Throughout his career, Dr. Palekar has always been available for Beebe Medical Foundation functions, including the patient referrals, presentations and talks, and membership in the 1916 Club. He is a Past President of the Beebe Healthcare Medical Staff and Chairman of the Board of Directors, alongside many other positions and accolades. Congratulations, Dr. Palekar on this well-deserved recognition and for your generosity to the Beebe Medical Foundation, Beebe Healthcare, and the many patients you have served in your community. Thank you!

Joining in honor Dr. Palekar, center with plaque, is Paul C. Peet, MD, President of Beebe Medical Staff, Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation, Michele Rollins, former Foundation Board Chair, David A. Tam, MD, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare, Keith Warren, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long’s Office, and Kay Young, Executive Director of Development, Beebe Medical Foundation.

Nominations Accepted Through April 7, 2023

Governor John Carney on Monday announced that the nomination process is now open for the 2023 Compassionate Champion Awards. The Compassionate Champion Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and educational institutions across the State of Delaware that provide trauma-informed services in a manner consistent with the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Care. The Compassionate Champion Awards highlight individuals or teams in government, non-profit and private organizations, first responder professions, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and other agencies that have taken steps toward providing services in a manner consistent with trauma-informed care. Any individual, community partner, first responder, educational institution, state agency or other organization providing services to Delaware’s citizens within the State of Delaware is eligible for nomination. Applicants may nominate themselves or another individual or organization. Nominations can be submitted on the Governor’s website through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023. Award winners and details for the recognition ceremony will be announced at a later date. 

Click here to view the nomination form in English. 

Click here to view the nomination form in Spanish.

PFF Encourages Patient Advocacy and Awareness on Rare Disease Day

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are over 6,000 rare diseases and an estimated 25 to 30 million Americans living with at least one rare disease. Many rare diseases remain vastly unknown and receive fewer funds for research than those with greater awareness. Rare Disease Day will take place on February 28 to recognize these diseases and those living with them. One rare disease with low awareness among the general population is pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PF is a progressive and debilitating lung disease that causes shortness of breath, a chronic, dry cough, and fatigue. The lung scarring caused by PF is irreversible. A survey conducted by the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) in 2020 revealed that a vast majority of Americans (86%) do not know the symptoms of the disease. Recognizing Rare Disease Day and elevating resources to educate the general population benefits everyone – not just those living with a rare condition. The PFF plays an important role in providing trustworthy resources to patients and their families, as well as a source of community and support for those living with or impacted by PF. For more information about PF symptoms, risk factors and treatment options, visit AboutPF.org.  

Public Meetings Scheduled for Early March

Delaware has among the highest broadband speeds in the nation thanks in part to competition between Comcast and Verizon. However, the state has “Internet deserts” that became more apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. Plans call for the state to pay for the extension of existing broadband systems in areas where it is not profitable for a private company to add cable. Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), federal relief funds allowed Delaware to begin broadband expansion work in the summer of 2022 that would later be continued through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for infrastructure and digital equity. The ARPA funds were also used for housing, health, mental health, community organization and pandemic recovery purposes.

The Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s Broadband Office will host public meetings in early March to share information about major broadband initiatives happening across the state. Delaware is expected to receive approximately $100 million under the program.

The public is encouraged to attend one of the following sessions in their area:

• Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30 pm at the Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza.
• Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 pm at the Georgetown Public Library, 123 West Pine Street.
• Monday, March 6 at 6:30 pm at the Appoquinimink Community Library, 204 E. Main Street in Middletown

Attendees will be asked to participate in a brief survey about their broadband needs and experiences. More information on the Delaware Broadband Strategy is available here. 

Information on the NTIA BEAD program can be found here.

You Can Make a Difference

The MSD Environmental & Public Health Subcommittee is looking for interested members to participate to address topics ranging from pandemics to gun safety to the opioid crisis to deadly air pollution. If you are interested in making an impact with other members having common objectives to help improve the health of patients, the environment, and the planet, this committee is for you. Membership on the Environmental & Public Health Subcommittee is on an annual appointed basis. Quarterly meetings are held via zoom during the evenings. If you have an interest in participating on this Subcommittee, please complete the Committee Interest form and return.

Survey Reveals Sounds Searched Online

Sound can soothe the soul or send chills down the spine, and with the use of the internet, beautiful, calming, or even nostalgic sounds are only a click away. A recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 Americans revealed 50% search for sounds online, rising to two-thirds (63%) for the Gen Z cohort. Twenty percent of those who search for sounds online do so every day, and 74% believe they have the desired effect, be it relaxation, sleep, focus, motivation, or meditation. To identify which sounds people search for most often on the internet, Forbes Health compiled a seed list of 50 sounds generally perceived as pleasant, analyzing search volumes on major platforms including Google, YouTube, Bing, the iOS App Store, the Google Play Store, and Twitter. The most popular? Rain! Read the full report.

PNC

MSD is pleased to highlight a 2023 Premier Educational Program Partner. PNC is part of the growing effort to keep our medical professionals educated through its partnership with MSD as a Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner.

For more than 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing their clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. PNC offers a wide range of services for all their customers, from individuals and small businesses, to corporations and government entities. No matter how simple or complicated the need, PNC has the products, knowledge, and resources necessary for financial success. PNC is a 2023 MSD Premier Educational Partner supporting high quality professional medical education for Delaware physicians and other health care professionals to advance the health and well-being of Delaware's citizens. For more information, visit https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc.html?lnksrc=topnav

If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of

Professional Education.

Improve Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates through evidence-based education at NO COST to your practice. The Quality Insights Program provides one-on-one education for health care professionals by trained clinical educators; presents evidence-based, non-commercial aims of academic groups, research centers, and clinicians; provides an effective and convenient way to stay up-to-date on latest research findings; improves clinical care based on best available safety, efficacy, and cost-effective data; and offers customizable modules based on your practices’ interests and needs. If you are interested in participating in this program or would like more information, please contact Danielle Collins at dcollins@qualityinsights.org or call 484-798-1829.

Jeffrey C. Maxwell - PCOM Medical Student (Class of 2024), ChristianaCare

Swagata Mitra, MD - ChristianaCare Pediatrics at Dover

MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending member(s) listed above or if you know someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a referral discount!

On January 30, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resources available to help you prepare for the end of the PHE, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress. The following materials reflect recent changes and are currently available on the CMS Emergencies Page:

• Provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers
• CMS 1135 Waiver / Flexibility Request and Inquiry Form: https://cmsqualitysupport.servicenowservices.com/cms_1135
• Acute Hospital At Home: https://qualitynet.cms.gov/acute-hospital-care-at-home

Updates will continue to be provided as we approach the end of the PHE. You are encouraged to regularly visit the CMS Emergencies Page for the most up to date information.

• DPH Flu Dashboard
• DPH Delaware Weekly Influenza Surveillance Reports by week.
• CDC https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

• (Delaware) General Questions: call 211 or email DPHCall@delaware.gov or Vaccine@delaware.gov for vaccine-specific questions.
• Latest information on Delaware's response (testing, treatment, vaccination): de.gov/coronavirus (Updated 2/2023)
• CDC COVID-19 Testing Locator Website (no-cost COVID-19 Testing. launched 1/2023)
• Delaware "My Healthy Community" COVID-19 Dashboard (updated weekly on Wednesdays)
• COVID-19 by County Community Level Check (# hospital admissions and beds used and total number of new cases)
• COVID-19 Community Transmission (based on cases per 100,000 people and positivity rate, both measured over the last 7 days)
• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• CDC COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review.
• FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests provides a list of all FDA-authorized at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 Update podcast - on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.