• “Interim Additional Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities” available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/dialysis.html 
• Updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html. Some key points include:
• The use of facemasks are an acceptable alternative when the supply chain of respirators cannot meet the demand. During this time, available respirators should be prioritized for procedures that are likely to generate respiratory aerosols, which would pose the highest exposure risk to HCP; and
• Updated recommendations include cohorting and the need for an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). Patients with known or suspected COVID-19 should be cared for in a single-person room with the door closed. AIIRs should be reserved for patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures. In particular, procedures that are likely to induce coughing (e.g., sputum induction, open suctioning of airways) should be performed cautiously and avoided if possible.

• This document can be used to assess the type of potential exposure HCP may have experienced while caring for the COVID-19 patient and assign risk level (High, Medium, Low or No Risk). It also provides guidance on the management of exposed HCP.

• This tool can be used to assess HCP exposure risk prior to the patient being identified as having COVID-19.

• This tool can be used to monitor and assess the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for HCP caring for the COVID-19 patient after they have been identified in the facility. 

• This tool can be used by a HCF or local health department (LHD) to assist HCP with daily symptom monitoring.

• This tool can be used by a HCF or local health department (LHD) track HCP under active monitoring.

• Waiving cost sharing obligations (out-of-pocket costs) for all services associated with the diagnosis of COVID-19 per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This includes:
• Waiving cost sharing obligations for all charges associated with a visit to an in-network primary care doctor or urgent care center or an in-network or out-of-network Emergency Room (ER) for evaluation of symptoms identified by the CDC as possible indicators of COVID-19 infection (fever, cough and shortness of breath).
• Waiving cost sharing obligations for all charges associated with a visit to an in-network primary care doctor or urgent care center or an in-network or out-of-network ER for COVID-19 testing for members who know they have been exposed to an individual diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Waiving cost sharing obligations at in-network and out-of-network labs for charges associated with the delivery of services connected to CDC-approved lab studies or tests for COVID-19 for members who know they have been exposed to an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 or with symptoms identified by the CDC as possible indicators of COVID-19 infection (fever, cough and shortness of breath).  

• Waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with your benefit plan) and/or encouraging you to use 90-day mail order benefit. We will also ensure formulary flexibility if there are shortages or access issues, and not hold patients liable for additional charges stemming from obtaining a non-preferred medication resulting from shortages or access issues.

1. Coronavirus update: Hospital capacity concerns as cases rise to 267; Murphy closes malls; 1st day of full school shutdown. What you need to know (03/18/2020)
2. Murphy requests Trump’s help building hospitals as COVID-19 cases mount
3. Local hospitals move to protect patients against the spread of the coronavirus
4. Murphy orders closure of malls, amusement parks effective Tuesday evening (updated)
5. As the coronavirus spreads, Pa. and New Jersey race to add hospital beds, testing
6. Drive-thru testing available at Hudson Regional Hospital
7. Elective surgeries canceled at Meridian Health hospitals for 2 weeks
8. 5 steps to help make room for patients in your hospital
9. CMS expands Medicare telehealth services to fight COVID-19