National COVID-19 Update

May 1, 2020

Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures show more than 1.06 million confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. in 55 states and U.S. territories, with 62,406 deaths. New York state leads the nation with more than 299,000 cases, followed by New Jersey which has more than 118,000 cases and Massachusetts which has more than 62,000 cases.

The CDC launched the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) COVID-19 Module Data Dashboard showing the percent of inpatient hospital beds occupied and the percent of intensive care unit (ICU) beds occupied by state. These data were reported by acute care facilities participating in the Patient Impact and Hospital Capacity pathway of the NHSN COVID-19 module. Approximately 80 Illinois hospitals are participating in this effort.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) clarifying requirements and considerations for hospitals and other providers related to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FAQs address questions around patient presentation to the emergency department, EMTALA applicability across facility types, qualified medical professionals, medical screening exams, patient transfer and stabilization, telehealth, and other topics.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded $20 million to increase telehealth access and infrastructure for providers and families to help prevent and respond to COVID-19. The funds will increase capability, capacity and access to telehealth and distant care services for providers, pregnant women, children, adolescents and families, and will assist telehealth providers with cross-state licensure to improve access to health care during the pandemic.  Among the recipients is the Illinois-based American Academy of Pediatrics, which was awarded $6 million.

The latest WHO situation report shows more than 3.17 million COVID-19 cases globally, with over 224,000 deaths. The European Region leads the world in cases and deaths, with more than 1.46 million confirmed cases with over 138,000 deaths. The Region of the Americas (includes the U.S.) follows, reporting more than 1.29 million cases and more than 69,000 deaths.