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

by Patrice Weiss, M.D., by Beverly Philip, M.D.
Making everyone part of the solution and collaborations between clinical and hospital leadership is key to navigating the pandemic. In this final in a four-part series on lessons learned on the front lines, read about the importance of supporting the health care workforce, especially now.
The Food and Drug Administration alerted clinical laboratories and health care providers of its ongoing effort to monitor the potential molecular test impact resulting from SARS-CoV-2 mutations, including the B.1.1.7 variant that has emerged from the United Kingdom.
The Department of Health and Human Services formally renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration effective Jan. 21. The 90-day extension will help hospitals and health systems combat COVID-19 in their communities. 
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar today discussed public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts, during a virtual forum moderated by AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allocated $22 billion in funding to states, localities and territories for COVID-19 testing and vaccination activities authorized in December by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
The AHA released the latest edition of the COVID-19 Snapshot, which highlights the critical needs of hospitals and health systems during the deepening public health emergency.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released updated guidance in response to questions on maintaining Medicaid enrollment during the Public Health Emergency under its interim final rule implementing Section 6008 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. ET will discuss public health initiatives that HHS has worked on over the past four years, as well as activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccination efforts.
The AHA urged the Department of Health and Human Services to take certain steps to speed COVID-19 vaccinations.
by Rick Pollack
The past 10 months have been filled with jarring and dissonant images, scenes that have prompted us to say, “never thought we’d see that in our country.” Unfortunately, we now have to add yesterday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol and assault on our democracy to that mix.  
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 21 cases of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, among the nearly 1.9 million people who received a first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine between Dec. 14 and 23.
The Food and Drug Administration warned that Curative’s SARS-Cov-2 test could produce false results and that health care providers should strictly follow its authorization and labeling.
The Food and Drug Administration reminded the public of the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccines in accordance to their agency authorizations, a process that FDA said will safely provide the “remarkable” levels of protection observed during large, randomized clinical trials.
New research conducted by the National Institutes of Health is shedding light on how COVID-19 affects patients’ brains.
The Food and Drug Administration last month added to its device shortage list several device types, along with clarifying notes and resource links.
To continue emphasizing the message of protecting against both the flu and COVID-19, AHA’s Wear A Mask and United Against the Flu campaigns released new resources, including new sample social media messages, several graphics and a video that hospitals and health systems can use to reiterate the importance of getting a flu shot, wearing a mask and practicing good hygiene.
To help advance the public’s confidence and trust in the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and their distribution, the AHA has launched a COVID-19 vaccine webpage for individuals.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that it is extending the third quarter 2020 data submission deadlines for several of its quality reporting and value programs for hospitals, post-acute care and other providers.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services posted additional information to help health care providers implement six new ICD-10 diagnosis codes for reporting conditions related to COVID-19 on medical claims effective Jan. 1. The information includes updated coding guidelines, code descriptions and other details. 
The Food and Drug Administration authorized a prescription BinaxNOW COVID-19 test for use by patients at home, in partnership with a telehealth service that will take users through the sample collection process and assist in reading and understanding the results.