National COVID-19 Update

May 4, 2020

Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures show more than 1.15 million confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. in 55 states and U.S. territories, with 67,456 deaths. New York state leads the nation with more than 312,000 cases, followed by New Jersey which has more than 126,000 cases and Massachusetts which has more than 68,000 cases.

The CDC updated its guidance on Symptom-Based Strategy to Discontinue Isolation for Persons with COVID-19

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is hosting a webinar May 7 at 12 p.m. CT on Factors to Consider when Planning to Purchase Respirators from Another Country, Including KN95 Respirators from China. This webinar will discuss the common pitfalls of purchasing respirators internationally to help buyers make informed procurement decisions to keep their workers safe. More information and registration is available here.

The National Academy of Medicine will hold a Supporting Clinician Well-Being During COVID-19 webinar on May 7 from 12:30-2 p.m. CT.  The webinar will provide a timely discussion and platform for physicians, nurses, students, and health system leaders to delve into the critical needs, priorities, and emerging strategies to support the mental and emotional well-being of clinicians on the frontlines—both during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. More details and registration information are available here.

The Kaiser Family Foundation released the following two briefs about the new Medicaid federal provisions developed to help states respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: Key Questions About the New Increase in Federal Medicaid Matching Funds for COVID-19 and Key Questions About the New Medicaid Eligibility Pathway for Uninsured Coronavirus Testing.

The latest WHO situation report shows more than 3.4 million COVID-19 cases globally, with over 239,000 deaths. The European Region leads the world in cases and deaths, with more than 1.54 million confirmed cases with over 143,000 deaths. The Region of the Americas (includes the U.S.) follows, reporting more than 1.43 million cases and more than 77,000 deaths.