Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) News

Below are links to AHA Today stories on novel coronavirus (COVID-19). For all coronavirus resources and news updates, visit our COVID-19 page.

Latest

AHA urged the Department of Health and Human Services to make the process for hospitals to report data to the HHS TeleTracking COVID-19 Portal and other data reporting platforms as efficient, transparent and valuable as possible.
The AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association released a joint statement as the number of U.S. deaths related to COVID-19 approached 500,000.
New data from Pfizer Inc. indicates that its COVID-19 vaccine is more stable than previously believed when stored -25°C to -15°C (-13°F to 5°F), temperatures more commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers and refrigerators.
To help combat burnout and fatigue amidst the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on health care workers’ wellbeing, the International Hospital Federation and the International Society for Quality in Health Care are hosting a Feb. 23 conference that will share good practices and innovations on how hospitals around the globe are improving their health care workers’ wellbeing and successful programs from other fields.
President Biden told a group of G-7 leaders that the U.S. will support the COVAX alliance tasked with distributing COVID-19 vaccines to 92 low- and middle-income countries.
Safety monitoring during the first month of the COVID-19 national vaccination program shows “reassuring safety profiles” for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services extended until March 22 its guidance limiting the hospital survey process during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The AHA today expressed support for the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act, which allows for the temporary reciprocity for treatment by medical professionals licensed in one state to patients in other states.
Advancing health equity within communities of color disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 — and getting the facts straight about reasons for hesitancy over receiving vaccines — are priority issues for government policy influencers and health care organization leaders.
by Joy Lewis, MSW, MPH
With our nation’s COVID-19 vaccine administration rollout underway, policy influencers and advocacy groups are focusing on communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the fluctuating pandemic.
by Rick Pollack
Congress returns to Washington, D.C., next week, and its top focus will be passing President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief legislation.
by Rod Hochman, M.D.
As we forge ahead in 2021 facing a lot of uncertainty, there’s one thing we recognize: The COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting effect on the health and well-being of our nation.
AHA and Musicians on Call launched a Valentine’s Day campaign for caregivers that features virtual performances by Adam Hambrick, Jamie O’Neal, Elle Winter and other artists.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a broadcast, radio and digital campaign to advertise to uninsured and other Americans the new special enrollment period available Feb. 15 through May 15 at the federally facilitated marketplace.
The departments of Health and Human Services and Defense ordered 200 million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use, half from Pfizer for $2 billion and the rest from Moderna for about $1.7 billion.
The Department of Health and Human Services amended its declaration providing liability protection under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to include federal government employees, contractors and volunteers authorized to prescribe, administer, deliver, distribute or dispense COVID-19 medical countermeasures.
by Rick Pollack
The nation’s COVID-19 vaccination effort continues to have challenges, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to make it as effective as possible to protect our patients and communities.
CDC lifts COVID-19 quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated individuals outside health care. Get the latest guidance on quarantine for vaccinated individuals.
During an AHA virtual briefing for lawmakers and staff, leaders from three health systems – Trinity Health, Ascension and LifePoint Health, which serve communities all across the country – today shared their organizations’ experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as recommendations to improve efforts to get more people vaccinated as safely, quickly and equitably as possible.
AHA and Musicians on Call are collaborating on a digital campaign to thank front-line caregivers around Valentine’s Day through digital promotions, social media and surprise virtual performances by celebrity artists.