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COVID-19 News Updates for November 25, 2020

CORONAVIRUS (1)

HHS Allocates Regeneron Therapeutic to Treat Patients With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 (HERE)

·       The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced plans to allocate initial doses of Regeneron’s investigational monoclonal antibody therapeutic, casirivimab and imdevimab, which received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 21, 2020, for treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild or moderate confirmed cases of COVID-19 at high risk of hospitalization.

HHS Makes Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms to Support Coordinated, Value-Based Care (HERE)

·       The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published two final rules that aim to reduce regulatory barriers to care coordination and accelerate the transformation of the healthcare system into one that pays for value and promotes the delivery of coordinated care.

President Trump is lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs (HERE)

·       President Trump has announced two final rules issued by the Department of Health and Human Services to lower the cost of prescription drugs for American patients. The first rule, the Most Favored Nation Model, will ensure Medicare pays no more than what our peer nations pay for some of the most expensive drugs and gets rid of incentives for your doctor to prescribe higher priced drugs. The rebate rule will end the current system of kickbacks that drives drug prices higher each year by delivering those kickbacks as discounts to patients at the pharmacy counter.

HHS Drug Pricing Fact Sheet (HERE)

·       President Trump is delivering on his promise to cut down on foreign freeriding through the Most Favored Nation Model that will substantially lower drug prices without restricting access.

HHS Finalizes Rule to Bring Drug Discounts Directly to Seniors at the Pharmacy Counter (HERE)

·       Today, in response to President Trump’s July 24, 2020 Executive Order on “Lowering Prices for Patients by Eliminating Kickbacks to Middlemen,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar and the HHS Office of Inspector General finalized a regulation to eliminate the current system of drug rebates in Medicare Part D, in order to create incentives to lower list prices and reduce out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs by delivering discounts directly at the pharmacy counter.

Fact Sheet: Trump Administration Finalizes Proposal to Lower Drug Costs by Targeting Backdoor Rebates and Encouraging Direct Discounts to Patients (HERE)

·       Directed by President Trump’s July 24, 2020 Executive Order on “Lowering Prices for Patients by Eliminating Kickbacks to Middlemen,” the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) have finalized a regulation that encourages lower list prices and reduced out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs.

Secretary Azar Confirmation In Response to Executive Order on Lowering Prices for Patients by Eliminating Kickbacks to Middlemen (HERE)

·       President Trump has made it a priority to decrease the costs of prescription drugs for Americans, and he has never wavered from this commitment. The President has taken bold action from protecting the ability of pharmacists to help patients fill prescriptions at the lowest available cost to fixing loopholes in Medicare that allowed hospitals to keep prescription drug discounts meant for patients. 

Trump Administration Announces Prescription Drug Payment Model to Put American Patients First (HERE)

·       In support of President Trump’s historic commitment to lowering drug prices for American patients, HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced a drug payment model through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that will lower Medicare Part B payments for certain drugs to the lowest price for similar countries and save American taxpayers and beneficiaries more than $85 billion over seven years.

Statement from HHS Chief of Staff Brian Harrison on Unapproved Drugs Initiative (HERE)

·       Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a Notice published in the Federal Register announced the withdrawal of guidance documents issued as part of the Unapproved Drugs Initiative.

NIH Expands Research to Improve COVID-19 Testing Among Underserved and Vulnerable Populations (HERE)

·       The National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly $45 million to expand the research network of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program, adding 20 institutions and seven states and territories. RADx-UP aims to enable and enhance COVID-19 testing of populations disproportionately affected by the disease.

Mini-Lungs in a Lab Dish Mimic Early COVID-19 Infection (HERE)

·       Researchers have become skilled at growing an array of miniature human organs in the lab. Such lab-grown “organoids” have been put to work to better understand diabetesfatty liver diseasecolor vision, and much more. Now, NIH-funded researchers have applied this remarkable lab tool to produce mini-lungs to study SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Reasons for Gratitude amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (HERE)

·       For many of us, Thanksgiving will feel really different this year. Less will need to be more, as we celebrate alone or with our immediate household members to stay safe and help combat the surge in COVID-19 cases across most of the land. And yet, times of trouble can also help us to focus on what’s really important in our lives. So, even as we face these challenges and the range of emotions that arise with them, it’s worth remembering that this Thanksgiving, there remain many reasons to be grateful.

COVID-19: Questions and Answers (HERE)

·       CDC’s Dr. Henry Walke answers common questions about COVID-19.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Ethical Principles for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine (HERE)

·       During the period when the U.S. supply of COVID-19 vaccines is limited, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will make vaccine allocation recommendations.

CMS Issues Final Rule to Amend the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Risk Adjustment Data Validation Program (HERE)

·       Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule to amend the methodology and other program parameters for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ risk adjustment data validation (HHS-RADV) program.

Fact Sheet: Most Favored Nation Model for Medicare Part B Drugs and Biologicals Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (HERE)

·       The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing a new payment model, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) Model (or the “MFN Model”), and issuing a corresponding Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFC). 

Trump Administration Announces Prescription Drug Payment Model to Put American Patients First (HERE)

·       In support of President Trump’s historic commitment to lowering drug prices for American patients, HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced a drug payment model through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that will lower Medicare Part B payments for certain drugs to the lowest price for similar countries and save American taxpayers and beneficiaries more than $85 billion over seven years.

FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: November 24, 2020 (HERE)

·       The FDA today published Face Masks, Including Surgical Masks, and Respirators for COVID-19, a comprehensive new page on FDA.gov with answers to frequently asked questions about face masks, surgical masks, and respirators. 

FDA Authorizes Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of COVID-19 (HERE)

·       Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for casirivimab and imdevimab to be administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age or older weighing at least 40 kilograms [about 88 pounds]) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19. This includes those who are 65 years of age or older or who have certain chronic medical conditions.

FDA Announces Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate (HERE)

·       The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has scheduled a meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) on Dec. 10 to discuss the request for emergency use authorization (EUA) of a COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer, Inc. in partnership with BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH.

Steps to Safely Celebrate the Holidays (HERE)

·       Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and while smart travel, cooking, decorating and heating practices are always important to remember this time of year, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means even more safety measures should be taken this holiday season.

Readout from a Treasury Spokesperson on Secretary Mnuchin’s Video Conference with G20 Finance Ministers (HERE)

·       On November 20, 2020, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin participated on a video conference with G20 Finance Ministers prior to the 2020 G20 Leaders’ Summit.  The call focused on the global economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the G20 response.  

U.S. Department of Commerce Continues to Invest Cares Act Funding to Boost Economic Development Programs Critical to Helping Communities Respond to Coronavirus (HERE)

·       EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic (HERE)

·       Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Announces $3,148,452 In Coronavirus Violations (HERE)

·       Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Nov. 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 232 citations arising from inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $3,148,452.

U.S. Department of Labor Emphasizes Protecting Worker Safety and Pay During Holiday Season (HERE)

·       The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) remind employers of their responsibility to protect worker safety and pay during the holiday season.

COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Dry Runs Taking Place Across U.S., General Says (HERE)

·       The chief operations officer for Operation Warp Speed discussed how the COVID-19 vaccines will be delivered and administered.

DOD Responds to Uptick in COVID-19 Infections (HERE)

·       There is light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, but DOD — like the United States as a whole — faces some tough times, Pentagon officials said today.

DOD Awards $11.6 Million to Puritan Medical Products Company, LLC to Increase Domestic Production of Swabs for Cue Health’s Point of Care Tests (HERE)

·       On Nov. 19, 2020, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a contract action with a not-to-exceed value of $11.6 million to Puritan Medical Products Company, LLC, to expand industrial production capacity of Cue’s sample wand nasal swabs.

DOD Awards $12.38 Million Contract to Siemens Healthineers to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Tests (HERE)

·       On Nov. 19, 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD), in coordination with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a $12.38 million contract to Siemens Healthineers to expand U.S. based industrial production capacity of its SARS-CoV-2 antigen test, run on the ADVIA Centaur and Atellica testing platforms. 

This Week in Operation Warp Speed (HERE)

·       This is a compilation of initiatives, actions and accomplishments across Operation Warp Speed (OWS)’s primary efforts in the past week. To learn more about OWS, visit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website and Department of Defense (DOD) website

DOD Awards $565,000 Contract to Freeman Manufacturing Co. to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of Disposable Gowns (HERE)

·       The Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a $565,000 contract to Freeman Manufacturing Co. to increase domestic production capability of disposable gowns.

Operation Warp Speed Refines Vaccine Delivery Plan (HERE)

·       While the reality of a COVID-19 vaccine inches closer, the team at Operation Warp Speed is refining its plan to deliver doses across the country. 

Recovery Resources

Recovery Hub: Explore available SBA assistance and funding programs, Coronavirus relief, and other financing options and tools to keep your business going.More information can be found here and below.

·       Recovery Essentials

·       Business Resiliency

·       Underserved Communities

·       Faith-Based Communities

Economic Response Timeline: The U.S. Department of the Treasury is leading the response to COVID-19 by providing fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses and preserving jobs for American industries.More information can be found here.

Assistance for Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural America

·       Coronavirus Food Assistance Programs (CFAP): On April 17, the President announced the CFAP program, which provided up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to farmers and ranchers across the country impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional $13 billion was announced on September 18th to continue to assist farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More information here.

·       Federal Rural Resource Guide: USDA developed a Federal Rural Resource Guide, which outlines Federal funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Find the Resource Guide here.

·       Farmers to Families Food Box Program (FFFB): On April 17, USDA announced that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is partnering with national, regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers of all sizes. More information here.

·       Emergency Meals to You: USDA announced an innovated public-private partnership to provide 5 million meals a week to the doorsteps of low-income kids in rural communities across America impacted by COVID-19-related school closures – five times its original goal. Meals to You boxes contained 20 nutritious meals – 10 breakfasts and 10 lunches – to cover the meals children would normally receive at school over two school weeks. In total, more than 38 million meals were delivered. More information here.

·       Emergency Supplemental SNAP Benefits: In response to COVID-19, USDA has brought all SNAP households up to the maximum benefit level, totaling more than $2 billion per month. These emergency benefits represent a 40% increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits. USDA also rapidly expanded the online purchasing pilot to allow more SNAP recipients to shop for their groceries online and stay safe. More than 97 percent of all households receiving SNAP now have access to online purchasing across 46 States.

·       Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): USDA worked with states to provide benefits (similar to SNAP or “food stamps”) to children who normally receive free or reduced price school meals through the Pandemic EBT or P-EBT program. P-EBT helps supplement family budgets by replacing the value of those lost school meals. SNAP and Child Nutrition agencies in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have collaborated to design, build, and administer P-EBT programs to distribute billions of dollars in food assistance to eligible children and their families.

Assistance for Small Businesses

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act, is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury.  The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. On June 6, 2020, President Trump signed legislation providing more flexibility and relief for small businesses, including extending the covered period for loan forgiveness from 8 weeks after the date of loan disbursement to 24 weeks and lowering the requirements that 75% of a borrower’s loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs to 60%. More information can be found below:

·       Paycheck Protection Program Loan Information

·       Loan Details and Forgiveness

·       Who Can Apply

·       Lender Forms and Guidance

·       Summary of Cumulative Paycheck Protection Program Data Interim Final Rule – Treatment of Owners and Forgiveness of Certain Nonpayroll Costs

·       Other Assistance

·       Frequently Asked Questions

·       Frequently Asked Questions For Loan Forgiveness

·       Fact Sheet for PPP Borrowers

·       Summary of PPP lending as of 8/8/20

·       Paycheck Protection Forgiveness Platform

·       Lender Hotline: +1 (833) 572-0502

Current law dictates that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) close at the end of August 8, 2020. As such, SBA is no longer accepting PPP applications from participating lenders.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Advance Program: In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners and non-profit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).  EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.

·       Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

·       Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and loan advance

SBA Express Bridge Loans: Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Assistance for American Workers and Families

American Workforce Policy Advisory Board – Call to Action: The American Workforce Policy Advisory Board has released a call-to-action to help the millions of workers who need assistance now, and build the resilient and agile workforce of the future powered by skilled American workers. Specific actions:

·       Expedite American workers’ return to employment and upward mobility by investing in career pathways and implementing skills-based hiring practices.

·       Remove obstacles to the modernization of American education and training to accelerate reskilling and facilitate innovation in workforce development.

·       Build the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work.

Find Something New: FindSomethingNew.orgcan help workers of all ages and backgrounds identify the right path for their career goals by recommending multiple educational pathways, providing aptitude testing, offering a directory of critical resources for child care, food assistance, internet access and more. Educational pathways featured include online learning, professional certification programs, associate’s degrees, and vocational, technical and trades education.

Economic Impact Payments: The CARES Act provides for Economic Impact Payments to American households of up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000 ( or $198,000 for joint filers) and $500 per child under 17 years old – or up to $3,400 for a family of four. More information can be found here.

Preserving Jobs for American Industry: The CARES Act offers meaningful financial support to American businesses and job creators so they can better support employees and be prepared to get back to business as soon as possible. More information can be found here.

Supporting Child Care: The CARES Act provided an additional $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support families with child care options during this public health crisis. Additional information and State-level information can be found here.

Dislocated Worker Grants: The U.S. Department of Labor is providing Dislocated Worker Grants to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. State-by-State data and additional details can be found here.

Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions: On August 8th, 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure Americans facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus do not face eviction or foreclosure.

·       Assistance for Homeowners

·       Assistance for Renters

·       Frequently Asked Questions: HHS/CDC Temporary Halt In Residential Evictions To Prevent The Further Spread Of Covid-19

·       CDC Notice: Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19

·       CDC Declaration: Halt Evictions to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19

·       FHA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium for Homeowners Through Year End

·       Executive Order on Fighting the Spread of COVID-19 by Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners

·       President Donald J. Trump is Working to Stop Evictions and Protect Americans Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

·       WATCH: President Trump’s Executive Order Protects from Eviction

School and Child Care Programs: The CDC and U.S. Department of Education continue to provide resources and tools for school administrators, teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers as schools open this fall.

·       The Importance of Reopening America’s Schools this Fall

·       School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians

·       Operating schools during COVID-19: CDC’s Considerations

·       Cleaning, Disinfection, and Hand Hygiene in Schools – a Toolkit for School Administrators

·       Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020

·       Guidance for K-12 School Administrators on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools

·       Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations

·       Interim Considerations for K-12 School Administrators for SARS-CoV-2 Testing

·       Strategies for Protecting K-12 School Staff from COVID-19

·       Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers

·       FAQ for School Administrators on Reopening Schools

·       CARES Act Emergency Relief

·       Remote Learning: Resources for Educators, Administrators and Related Service Providers

·       Resources for Learning at Home

·       Program Information: FAQs and Responses

·       Waivers and Flexibility

Assistance for Communities

CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA)is awarding CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. These grants are being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit the recently updated EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

SPRINT Challenge: The Scaling Pandemic Resilience Through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT) Challenge will enable organizations across the country to address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation.

·       The SPRINT Challenge is a $25 million national competition funded by the CARES Act.

·       With the publication of the SPRINT Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), EDA seeks projects that aim to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic and future pandemics. The deadline to apply for the Challenge is December 3, 2020.

·       Applicant Resources:

o   FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge NOFO 

o   SPRINT Challenge Overview 

o   Optional Budget Template 

o   FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge Full Application on Grants.gov

o   SPRINT Challenge Application Checklist 

Opportunity Zones: Opportunity Zones were created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on December 22, 2017, to stimulate economic development and job creation, by incentivizing long- term investments in low-income neighborhoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump directed the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to focus on underserved communities impacted by the virus. For more information, visit opportunityzones.gov.

·       Opportunity Zones Best Practices

·       Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 1

·       Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 2

·       Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Is Lifting Up and Driving New Prosperity in Previously Forgotten American Communities

How to Help

Donate COVID-19 Plasma

·       If you have fully recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to help patients currently fighting the infection by donating your plasma. Because you fought the infection, your plasma now contains COVID-19 antibodies. These antibodies provided one way for your immune system to fight the virus when you were sick, so your plasma may be able to be used to help others fight off the disease. Learn more here.

·       To find where you can donate source plasma, visit donatingplasma.org.

Donate Blood

·       The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to the U.S. blood supply. Donor centers have experienced a dramatic reduction in donations due to the implementation of social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Blood is needed every day to provide lifesaving treatments to a variety of patients. You can help ensure that blood continues to be available for patients by finding a blood donor center near you to schedule your donation. Learn more here.

·       To find where you can donate blood, visit aabb.org

Donate Supplies and Equipment

·       If you represent a business that would like to donate medical supplies, equipment or pharmaceuticals, please provide details on what you would like to give. This form is for donations only.

Sell Supplies and Equipment

·       If you are interested in doing business with FEMA with your company’s non-medical goods and/or services, submit your inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Procurement Action Innovative Response Team (PAIR) team at DHSIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov.

·       The federal government is purchasing medical supplies or equipment under the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Request for information (RFI). Visit the DLA website for more information.

Developing Medical Countermeasures

·       If you would like to meet with a federal agency regarding a vaccine, diagnostic, therapeutic or other medical device that you are developing for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, please go to medicalcountermeasures.gov.

Other Forms of Help

·       If you or someone you know represent a hospital or healthcare provider in need of medical supplies, please contact your state, local, tribal or territory department of public health and/or emergency management agency.

·       If you represent a private sector business and wish to learn more about getting involved in a way that is not listed here, please e-mail nbeoc@max.gov or visit our National Business Emergency Operations Center page.

For additional information, please visit FEMA’s website: www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.

Guidelines for Opening Up America Again

President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.

·       Testing Overview (HERE)

·       Testing Blueprint (HERE)

·       Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes (HERE)

·       CDC guidance for CampsChild Care ProgramsSchoolsMass TransitRestaurants And Bars, and Workplaces

·       CDC Activities and Initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President’s Plan for Opening America Up Again (HERE)

·       🎬 WATCH: CDC Videos:

o   Washing Hands

o   Wearing Gloves

o   Practicing Social Distancing

o   Cleaning and Sanitizing Toys and Child Care Programs

o   Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Homes

o   Staying Safe at Aquatic Venues

o   Considerations for Bars and Restaurants

o   Wear a Mask to Protect You and Your Friends

o   Key Times to Wear a Mask

o   Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019

o   COVID-19 Stop the Spread of Germs

o   Know Your Risk of Getting COVID-19

o   How to Wear a Mask

o   The Difference Between Quarantine and Isolation

o   Maintaining Heart Health in COVID-19

o   Emergency Care for Heart Disease in COVID-19

o   How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home if Someone has COVID-19

o   Shopping for Food and Other Household Essentials

o   I Think or Know I had COVID-19, and I had Symptoms. When Can I Be With Others?

o   Stay Safe At Summer Camp

o   Stop the Spread of Germs

o   Spending Time with Friends and Family Who Need to Take Extra Precautions

o   Visiting Friends and Family with Certain Medical Conditions

o   Stay Safe at the Pool and Beach

o   Considerations for Bars and Restaurants During COVID-19

o   How Did COVID-19 Get its Name?

o   Know How to Wear Your Face Mask Correctly

Operation Warp Speed

·       The President is using all available means to ensure safe vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are developed, manufactured, and distributed in unprecedented time and scale in response to COVID-19.

·       Earlier this year, President Trump launched Operation Warp Speed, a groundbreaking partnership between the Federal Government, scientific community, and private sector to develop and deliver vaccines in record time.

o   Operation Warp Speed’s goal is to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines with the initial doses available by January 2021.

·       The Administration has made large investments in multiple vaccine candidates to provide financial infrastructure for mass manufacturing, in parallel with late-stage clinical trials.

·       Operation Warp Speed has invested in more than five vaccines and teamed up with multiple pharmaceutical companies to safely produce as many effective vaccines as possible.

·       A number of vaccine candidates have shown promising early clinical results and are either in or starting Phase 3 clinical trials.

·       Clinical resources on vaccines, including continuing education training on best practices can be found here.

·       The Operation Warp Speed Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine can be found here.

o   COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations

o   Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Distribution Process

o   8 Things to Know about Vaccine Planning

o   How CDC Is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

o   Ensuring the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States

o   Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

·       More information on Operation Warp Speed can be found here.

For the most up-to-date information, please see the CDC’s website: www.coronavirus.gov.