• DHS released Health Alert #10: Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Potentially Associated with COVID-19: Call for Cases

• Update for Emergency Nurse Aide Training Programs Due to End of Public Health Emergency - As of May 11, 2020, the public health emergency ended and Emergency Order #21 is no longer in effect; therefore, the Department has established a waiver request process to allow entities and facilities to continue to hire and train caregivers through the Emergency Nurse Aide Training Programs. Read more.

• COVID-19 has touched all aspects of society including how we work. Emergency responders, health care workers, and others providing essential services to the community have been especially stretched thin, working longer hours than usual, working more shifts or even over-night, and leaving less time to sleep and recharge. Fatigue increases the risk for injury and deteriorating health (infections, illnesses, and mental health disorders). While there is no one solution to fit everyone’s needs, the CDC provides some general strategies that workers and employers can use to manage workplace fatigue and work safely.

• Updated CDC Guidance: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings (Updated May 18, 2020)
• The prior recommendation that all elective procedures be postponed has been removed
• Key considerations for performing non-COVID-19 clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential for patient harm if care is deferred and level of community transmission, are summarized in the Framework for Healthcare Systems Providing Non-COVID-19 Clinical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• BCD: COVID-19 Webinar Wednesday May 20 at 2:00 p.m.

• DQA Assisted Living Forum, Thursday, May 21,10-11 a.m.

• CDC Mini Webinar Series for Long-Term Care Staff: This series of 5 short webinars reviews basic infection prevention steps including: proper use of PPE and facemasks, how and when to perform hand hygiene, how and when to clean surfaces, and the need to check residents and staff daily for symptoms of COVID-19.