Coronavirus Resources (December 4 – 10, 2020)

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES

(December 4 – 10, 2020)

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CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE

If you haven’t done so already, check out COVIDCast from Carnegie Mellon University here in Pittsburgh.  It is chock-full with real-time data about the virus and also public behavior in response to it.

HHS Amends PREP Act Declaration

The Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued an amendment to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act Declaration (“PREP Act Declaration”) in an effort to expand access to COVID-19 countermeasures.  Under this amendment, healthcare personnel utilizing telehealth services are authorized to order and administer covered countermeasures for patients outside of the state in which the healthcare personnel are permitted to practice.  The amendment also expands and clarifies the scope of immunity under the Declaration.  To review this amendment, click here or here.

OIG Submits Semiannual Report to Congress

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) provided its Semiannual Report to Congress.  This document summarizes its activities for the six-month period ending on September 30, 2020.  Among other things, this report highlights the OIG’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and summarizes the risks, abuses, deficiencies, and remedies relating to the administration of HHS programs identified during the reporting period.  To view this report, click here.