4/22/22 – Weekly Covid-19 Update

CHAP’s COVID-19 Weekly Update
In this “one-stop-shop” update, CHAP will provide a roundup of important COVID-19 information from various federal sources

All health care providers should be monitoring COVID-19 incidence rates in their state/county on an ongoing basis.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC provides weekly data about case rates, deaths, testing, and vaccine administration on their COVID tracker webpage.

 

Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs (CDC, 4/18/2022)
As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021, Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect. Therefore, CDC will not enforce the Order. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time. This page will be updated soon to provide additional information about recommendations.

 

COVID-19 Breathalyzer test (FDA, 4/14/2022)
The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to InspectIR Systems for their InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer test. The InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer test is the first COVID-19 diagnostic test that detects chemical compounds in breath samples associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authorization for the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer test is an example of the FDA’s continued commitment to support the development of innovative, appropriately accurate and reliable diagnostic tests that increase testing options for COVID-19. Positive test results should be confirmed with a molecular test.

The COVID-19 PHE declaration Renewed for Another 90 Days (HHS/ASPR)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response (ASPR) has renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for 90 days effective April 12, 2022.  The PHE declaration will expire on July 16, 2022.

HHS will provide states and territories with no less than 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the PHE declaration for COVID-19.

Joint Statement Between the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal on the Announcement of the Second Global COVID-⁠19 Summit (White House Press Room, 4/18/2022)
The second Global COVID-19 Summit will be held virtually on May 12, 2022 and will redouble collective efforts to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future health threats.  The emergence and spread of new variants, like Omicron, have reinforced the need for a strategy aimed at controlling COVID-19 worldwide. Together, we can mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect those at the highest risk with vaccinations, testing, and treatments, actions to minimize disruption to routine health services.