With medical professionals at grave risk, petition calls on administration to use its authority to compel industry to rapidly ramp up production and ensure effective distribution of supplies including ventilators, masks, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) |
Alaska—A petition created by Nurse Donna Phillips calling on the Trump administration to do more to ensure the production and distribution of masks, other protective equipment, and ventilators has garnered more than 125,000 signatures (and growing) nationwide.
This comes amid the heartbreaking news that a nurse in a New York City hospital, Kious Kelly, passed away from coronavirus Tuesday after working without adequate personal protective equipment due to lack of supplies.
View Nurse Phillips’ petition, titled “Healthcare Workers Need Protective Equipment Now,” here:
Among other steps, the petition calls for the administration to use its authority under the Defense Production Act to compel action by private industry. The MoveOn petition is circulating organically on social media and is being supported by the American Federation of Teachers, of which Phillips is a member.
In the petition, Nurse Phillips states:
“Healthcare workers have shown their commitment to patients and the public. We need the same level of commitment from the Trump Administration and we need it now. We urge you to honor the bravery of healthcare workers by implementing the recommendations listed above. The nation’s health and our lives literally depend on it.”
“It is outrageous that Donald Trump and Mike Pence are prioritizing the interests of corporations over the needs of people in the face of the coronavirus crisis. Lives are at stake. They must change course and use their authority under the Defense Production Act to ensure the rapid production and distribution of ventilators, masks, and other personal protective and medical equipment,” said Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn.
To speak to a healthcare professional about the urgent need for personal protective and other medical equipment, or to speak to an AFT or MoveOn organizer about work being done to encourage the Trump administration to stop holding back, contact Anna Zuccaro at [email protected]. |
Health
Neighborhoods with ‘Medical Deserts’ Have Emergency Needs During COVID Pandemic
WI Health Care Leaders Urge the Public to Abide by “Safer at Home” Order for COVID-19
With the pace of COVID-19 infection rising rapidly in Wisconsin, the state’s leading health care organizations are urging the public to take all steps available to reduce the rate of spread of COVID-19 cases, including abiding by Governor Tony Evers’ order taking effect Tuesday to stay at home.
Wisconsin’s hospitals, health systems, physicians, nurses, clinics, health centers, nursing homes and long-term care facilities strongly support the ‘Safer at Home’ order Governor Evers announced today. We must do this to keep our health care system from becoming overwhelmed, and to protect both the public and essential health care workers who are necessary to take care of the critically ill.
We understand the ramifications of a “Safer at Home” order for Wisconsin businesses, their employees and families. These are very difficult decisions that affect many of our own families and friends and we hope it can be over as soon and as safely as possible. But the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin, now in part due to community spread, necessitates more dramatic action that we believe will help us get through this challenge even faster.
“Safer at Home” must allow essential health workers and health-supporting industries – including all those supporting and providing care and critical supply chain in hospitals, clinics, health centers, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, blood banks and many others – to continue helping our hospitalized patients and the frail elderly. We look forward to working with Governor Evers to clarify these important details before the order takes effect.
When implemented, we urge Wisconsin citizens to follow the Governor’s order – it is now the best thing the public can do help us get past this pandemic as quickly as possible, help keep health care workers healthy and providing care and support, and manage the precious resources they need to take care of patients and their own health.
Our doctors, nurses and staff stay on the job for you, so please stay home for them.
American Family Insurance and gener8tor Offering Emergency Response Program
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact and gener8tor today announced a partnership to run emergency one-week virtual programs for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This free program is an extension of the gBETA programs currently offered statewide through a partnership between the two organizations.
Starting March 30 and running through April 3, The Institute and gener8tor will offer one-week virtual accelerator programs designed to help small businesses identify, understand and secure resources to withstand the current crisis. Businesses wishing to enroll in the Emergency Response Program are requested to visit gener8tor.com/emergency-
As a part of the program, participants will be invited to daily lunchtime webinars presented by experts in the following topics:
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The step-by-step process of determining eligibility and applying for SBA programs;
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Civic, philanthropic and state emergency relief resources;
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Navigating changes required by new laws;
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Federal emergency relief programs and local support;
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Mental health and wellness resources for small business owners.
In addition to the weekly webinars, the ERP will include dedicated, daily office hours for small businesses to virtually meet with gener8tor team members. The goal of the office hours is to help businesses identify, understand, and engage with resources to help them during the COVID-19 crisis. Each business is currently dealing with different struggles due to the crisis, so the gener8tor team will be working one-on-one with each company to address these specific issues.
The Institute and gener8tor will also work with community groups interested in providing pro bono resources to small businesses as additional virtual office hours.
“We hope these Emergency Response Accelerators offer small business owners the support and resources they need in the difficult days ahead,” said Shayna Hetzel, Social Impact Investment Director at The Institute.
“We have seen firsthand the impact that entrepreneurs have on a community and we hope to call on our network of mentors, investors, and partners to support these new Emergency Response Programs,” said Joe Kirgues, Co-Founder of gener8tor.
The Institute and gener8tor will share the formal schedule for the program on March 26.
Allergies versus COVID-19
HOUSTON – (March 20, 2020) – Because the COVID-19 outbreak overlaps with allergy season, it can be difficult to determine if you are getting sick or just experiencing seasonal allergies.
Dr. Sanjiv Sur, an allergist at Baylor College of Medicine, said one of the key differences between the two is that allergies tend to present the same symptoms every year.
“If there is a significant change in your allergy symptoms from what you have had in the past, then you should consider being evaluated by a physician,” Sur said.
Since allergies can sometimes make you feel as though you are catching an illness, Sur explains the differences between the symptoms:
- Allergies mainly cause itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and sneezing.
- Symptoms of COVID-19 include a dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
Sur emphasized that a major difference between allergies and coronavirus is the presence of fever. A fever is a main symptom of coronavirus but not a feature in seasonal allergies.
Asthma and COPD
Shortness of breath is a symptom of both allergies and COVID-19 that can overlap, especially if you have asthma. Sur said allergies can trigger asthma flares and sometimes COPD flares if the COPD is associated with asthma.
If you are having difficulty breathing and are not experiencing allergy symptoms, Sur recommends contacting your primary care provider for an evaluation.
Treatment
Allergies are mainly caused by the high tree and grass pollen count that occurs during springtime. If you are experiencing seasonal allergies, begin treating symptoms by using over-the-counter nasal steroid sprays or non-drowsy oral antihistamines like cetirizine or fexofenadine.
If allergy symptoms are not relieved by the next day or two, Sur recommends informing your primary care provider over the phone or electronically.
If there is a chance you have been exposed to COVID-19 or begin experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider over the phone or electronically for suggestions on testing.
Get more COVID-19 health tips and visit Baylor College of Medicine’s Coronavirus Preparedness site.
Pregnancy and COVID-19: What to know
HOUSTON – (March 20, 2020) – When it comes to COVID-19 and pregnancy, there are some unknowns since the disease is so new and researchers haven’t had time to study it extensively. However, experts at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital say the best things expectant mothers can do are to keep up with their providers’ recommended prenatal healthcare, practice good health habits and keep up to date on and follow CDC recommendations.
“Pregnant women should keep up with their scheduled prenatal appointments, unless otherwise advised by their healthcare provider. While we are working every day to limit non-essential visits, unless you are notified by your obstetrician or midwife of changes in your scheduled visits, please do keep them ,” said Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor and Texas Children’s and an expert in maternal-fetal health. “If you are pregnant and are experiencing any symptoms worrisome for COVID-19 disease or have been in contact with anyone known to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, then it is important to contact your doctor or midwife before coming into the clinic or hospital. Your healthcare providers will be able to guide you on next steps.”
Prevention and Precaution
Prevention is key for pregnant women. This includes practicing all of the same guidelines as the rest of the population, and includes:
- Frequent and thorough handwashing (20 seconds, back, front, sides and in-between the fingers) and sanitizing of surfaces
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces when out in public
- Avoid people who are sick
- Practice social distancing by avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and keeping at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others
- Avoid traveling
- Ensure necessary medications, household items and groceries are on hand, particularly if there is an outbreak of the disease in their community
Follow the guidelines and recommendations from experts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the local and state health departments and healthcare providers. There is the potential for misinformation to be spread via social media, Aagaard noted, so stick to and trust what the experts are saying.
Pregnant women who have severe chronic medical illnesses such as heart, lung or kidney disease, women with diabetes, or women with immune system disorders or on immunosuppressive medicines should take extra precautions and stay at home as much as possible. Contact with their high-risk pregnancy specialist continues to be recommended, and working with their provider by phone to determine the frequency of those visits is important. Read the CDC recommendations for those at high risk.
For more information on pregnancy and COVID-19, visit FAQ: pregnancy and COVID-19.
See more COVID-19 health tips and visit Baylor College of Medicine’s Coronavirus Preparedness site.
Molina Healthcare Responds to Coronavirus Pandemic
Most Employees Now Remote and Additional Member Support Steps Taken
LONG BEACH, Calif., March 18, 2020 – Molina Healthcare (“Molina”) today announced that it has temporarily transitioned thousands of its employees to remote status. This is a precaution to prevent potential exposure to coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. The move was enacted in Washington last week and is in effect in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Utah. Additional state health plan offices will follow this week.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to protect the health and wellness of our staff, Molina office-based employees and contractors in various states are temporarily transitioning to remote status,” said Larry Anderson, chief human resources officer for Molina Healthcare.
Molina and its subsidiary health plans across 14 states and Puerto Rico are working diligently and in alignment with federal, state, and local public health authorities, regulators, and other health systems to ensure no interruption in service or care coordination to Molina’s approximately 3.3 million members, and to proactively protect its nearly 10,000 employees nationwide.
Molina encourages its members to remain current with their State Department of Health, County Public Health, and CDC guidelines related to COVID-19, and has taken the following steps:
- Molina is providing virtual urgent care for Marketplace members through its partnership with Teladoc. Members are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient way to receive medical care without leaving their home. For information on how to access this service, members can visit the Teladoc website.
- Molina is expanding Teladoc to all Molina Medicare and Medicaid members.
- Molina is continuing to monitor and update all other tele-health services based on Medicaid Agency updates.
- Molina is reminding members that they can receive free home delivery of prescriptions through any CVS Pharmacy, which is a convenient option for refills or new prescriptions. Members can call their local pharmacy or visit the CVS website.
- Molina is covering screening tests for COVID-19, including office visits, urgent care, or ER visits associated with testing.
Molina is working closely with its executive task force and following guidance from the CDC and multiple departments of health to evaluate and communicate information to members, network providers, employees, and government partners as the situation evolves.
About Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare served approximately 3.3 million members as of December 31, 2019. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit molinahealthcare.com.
City of Milwaukee Health Department Adjusts Services in Response to COVID-19
MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is taking measures at each of our health centers to increase social distancing and prevent community spread of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These measures include increasing the frequency of cleanings and reducing the number of chairs in waiting rooms.
For the safety of the community and our staff, some services have been temporarily suspended or reduced.
Anyone who is showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and self-quarantine. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Those impacted by a temporary reduction of services are encouraged to contact MHD at (414) 286-3521 to discuss alternative options. Questions about COVID-19 should be directed towards 2-1-1 or milwaukee.gov/coronavirus.
“We know that many of the services we provide are essential to our community,” said Commissioner of Health Jeanette Kowalik. “However, it’s necessary to take these temporary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our staff is working closely with individuals and families to ensure that their needs continue to be met.”
A list of services accompanies this press release. The most up-to-date information on services can be found at miwaukee.gov/healthservices.
COVID-19 is a virus that surfaced in late 2019 and has infected people across the world, including more than 4,226
people in the United States and 72 people in Wisconsin. There are 13 confirmed cases in the city of Milwaukee.
The MHD encourages frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow as well as refraining from hand-to-hand contact to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Those experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) should remain home from work or school, and consult with their primary care provider to determine if they should get tested.
City of Milwaukee Health Department Adjusted Services
Updated March 18, 2020
Community Healthcare Access Program
All outreach and in person enrollment has been suspended until further notice.
Communicable Diseases Program
There are no service reductions at this time and the program is prioritizing its response to COVID-19.
Consumer Environmental Health Program
Staff are responding to foodborne illness complaints and conducting pre-inspections for new establishments.
Direct Assistance to Dads Project
Home visits have been have suspended until further notice. Staff are maintaining contact with families and will address
their urgent needs. Referrals are still being accepted.
Empowering Families of Milwaukee
Home visits have been have suspended until further notice. Staff are maintaining contact with families and will address
their urgent needs. Referrals are still being accepted.
Home Environmental Health Program
Lead investigations and risk assessments have been suspended until further notice. Nursing case management services for children with elevated blood levels are being provided remotely. Cases will continue to be monitored.
Immunization Clinic
Clinics have been closed until further notice.
Newborn Screening
Services are being provided on a case by case basis.
Milwaukee Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Program
Services are suspended until further notice. Clients with immediate needs are receiving ongoing case management services.
Parents and Nurturing and Caring for Their Children
Home visits have been have suspended until further notice. Staff are working remotely and will be available by phone. Referrals are still being accepted.
Public Health Laboratory
There are no service reductions at this time due to COVID-19 testing and essential services testing.
Safe Sleep Clinics
All clinics and trainings have been suspended until further notice.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic
STI screening, emergency contraception, and condom distribution only. Treatment of confirmed positive results by appointment. No same day treatment.
Strong Baby Program
All in-person training and technical support have been suspended until further notice. Staff will be available remotely
to provide technical support.
TB Clinic
Minimal changes to services, but clients may see a delay in scheduling appointments.
Violence Prevention
Services are being maintained, with minimal disruption. Staff are working remotely and will be available by phone.
Vital Records (Birth and Death Certificates)
No changes to service provision.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
WIC clinics are open to provide services but no more than 10 individuals can be at the clinic. Some benefits can be
provided remotely.
Staying Informed about the Coronavirus
By Cong. Gwen Moore
As news surrounding the coronavirus continues to develop, I want you all to stay informed. I am sharing resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help you and your family stay healthy and safe.
Background
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus that first emerged in China in late 2019, but has spread across the world. On January 31st, HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a national public health emergency to help the nation’s healthcare community respond to COVID-19.
So what can you do?
COVID-19 infections spread from person-to-person through viral droplets of mucus or saliva that contain the virus that enters a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. Coronavirus can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. Some infected people show no symptoms. When the virus does cause symptoms, most symptoms are as mild. However, COVID-19 can occasionally cause more severe symptoms.
Therefore, the CDC advises individuals to take the same precautions that are always recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like the flu and the common cold. Visit the CDC’s Prevention and Treatment site for more information.
What You Should Do
- Avoid close contact with sick people. The CDC recommends maintaining a distance greater than 6 feet.
- When sick, limit contact with others as much as possible; if possible, stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
- Seek medical care if you feel sick with a fever or cough, or have difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or may have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the 14 days before you began to feel sick. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead.
What You Should Not Do
- Do not travel to China, Iran, Italy or South Korea. This list is constantly being updated so stay informed.
- Do not use facemasks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Do not show prejudice to people of Asian descent because of fear of this new virus. Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have COVID-19.
Travel Guidance from the CDC
The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. The CDC recommends that older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions consider postponing travel to Japan. Please visit travelers’ guidance from the CDC for more information.
Stay Informed
CDC is updating its website daily with the latest information and advice for the public. Please visit the CDC’s website for the latest updates.
If you have questions or would like to receive more information on the coronavirus, contact Milwaukee City’s Health Department at 414-286-3521.
And as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my district office at (414) 297-1140.
City officials say they’re ready for the Coronavirus
Compiled by MCJ Editorial Staff
Like other major cities across the nation, Milwaukee is preparing for an eminent outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Flanked by U.S. Cong. Gwen Moore and Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik during a news conference, Mayor Tom Barrett said there are still—as of this writing—no confirmed cases of the virus in Milwaukee. Nor are there any confirmed cases in Milwaukee County.
“Preparation is extremely important in the hopes that all this preparation leads to nothing,” Barrett said.
“We’ve received a number of calls and concerns from individuals in the community, so we wanted to let everybody know what’s going on,” Kowalik said. “We are preparing to have the ability to test COVID-19 for diagnostic purposes only.”
Wisconsin now has kits to do its own testing at labs in Milwaukee and Madison. Public health officials are asking the public to do their part to help stop the spread of the virus.
Kowalik said the city Health Department is in constant communication with state and federal officials when it comes to containing the disease.
The CDC aims to have every state and local health department testing for coronavirus by the end of next week.
“As COVID-19 evolves, eventually there should be a vaccine at some point, but vaccine development takes some time,” said Kowalik. Federal officials said a coronavirus vaccine could take at least a year before it is developed, proven effective, and approved.
Barrett shared an additional reminder for the community.
“As a community, we do need to be vigilant against fear and anxiety around the virus that could lead to social stigma toward Chinese or other Asian-Americans,” Barrett said. “Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger toward ordinary people.”
The city is reportedly monitoring four people who recently returned from China for coronavirus. Those individuals are in voluntary isolation at home as a safety precaution.
There was one confirmed case in Wisconsin—a Dane county patient who is now considered recovered. The Milwaukee Health Department is set up to test for the disease and isolate anyone who has it.
The recovered Dane county patient was one of 44 Wisconsinites who have been tested for the coronavirus. At least 12 patients have pending results, and 31 patients tested negative.
But the mayor and health officials continue to keep a close eye on the outbreak in Chicago, where officials in that city and Illinois announced there are seven cases of the virus.
Health officials suggest citizens wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face and don’t shake hands with others. Individuals who think they have been exposed to the virus are being asked not to go to the hospital emergency rooms. Doctors advise them to call the hospital’s health department to coordinate care.
Patients suspected of being exposed to the coronavirus are being asked to stay in home quarantine for at least 14 days. Many people wanting a test—simple swab of the nose and throat—may not qualify for one.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will only authorize tests for patients who have a fever and respiratory illness and have been in contact with a suspected coronavirus case; who have a fever and severe respiratory illness, such as pneumonia, and have a history of travel to restricted locations; or have a fever and severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization with no other explanation for the illness.
Those who meet the criteria will be tested.
The Wisconsin Laboratory of Hygiene said more tests have been denied than approved in Wisconsin.
As of Sunday afternoon, 21 Americans have died from the coronavirus and eight have recovered.
There are now at least 511 confirmed cases across the country.
Sources: WTMJ 4, Fox6News, WISN12