Issues, policy developments, news, and resources for the HCH community
February 9, 2022
The Latest COVID-19 News, Delivered to You!
Welcome to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council’s COVID-19 Flash Blast. This brief synopsis of key issues specific to the HCH community, policy developments, resources, and reading lists on the topic of COVID-19 will be delivered every two weeks. You are receiving this email because you subscribe to HCH communications. If you do not wish to receive this bi-weekly alert, you may unsubscribe below. (Note: These e-blasts will be archived here.)
"I asked my HR for some help supporting staff and they told me to bring in cupcakes. That's just not adequate." -- Anonymous
CURRENT/EMERGING ISSUES & STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
With new developments every day in the nation's effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of emerging issues for HCHs that we are following:
Current/Emerging Issues
Increasing trend of false negatives in rapid antigen tests makes it challenging to contain spread among people experiencing homelessness.
Determining infection rate in community is limited by no consistent reporting of at-home test results.
Prohibiting/restricting intake of new clients in shelters when COVID cases are present in shelter due to lack of isolation and quarantine resources.
Addressing misinformation in the press that fuels NIMBY-ism, takes a negative toll on staff, and fuels client mistrust.
Growing tendency for clients to underreport symptoms for fear of not being able to receive regular services.
Anticipating the next variant of COVID while everyone feels emotionally brittle and having increasing difficulty “getting a win” for staff.
Waning hotel resources as owners want to return to pre-COVID business operations.
Increasing aggression towards health center staff from clients and community partners as tensions run high with exhaustion, stress, and burnout.
Anticipating alternative care site resources ending despite clear ongoing need for protective action and medical respite facilities regardless of pandemic.
Closing shelters when staffing is not available during extreme weather leaves clients vulnerable to frostbite (or worse) when there are not alternative spaces to get out of the elements.
Strategies for Success
Conduct PRC tests (and assume positive while waiting for results) for symptomatic people with negative antigen tests given increase in false negatives with Omicron.
Amend COVID screening processes to ensure patients can still access services to increase likelihood of truthful screening answers. Telehealth stations within symptom screening area may allow for visits while minimizing risk of spread.
Utilize automatic flags in HMIS system to notify shelter staff if a person has tested positive and should still be in isolation.
Inform clients that a shelter likely has COVID-positive residents so new admissions are aware of the risk.
Advocate for alternative funding sources to prolong protective action and I&Q hotels. Hospitals, CoCs, unspent federal COVID-relief funding, or other sources may be available.
POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
There will be many policy changes related to COVID-19 in the next several months as the Biden-Harris Administration moves forward with its agenda. Below are the most recent developments:
FDA restricts use of monoclonal antibodies: The FDA revoked emergency use authorization for two COVID-19 antibody drugs (Regeneron and Eli Lilly) because they do not work against the omicron variant. The antibody drugs from Pfizer and Merck are still available but remain in short supply.
Moderna receives full approval: The FDA granted full approval of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, making it the second vaccine with full FDA approval.
Medicare covers at-home tests: Starting in early spring, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access free, at-home COVID-19 test kits through pharmacies and other participating entities. This is the first time that Medicare has covered an over-the-counter test at no cost to beneficiaries.
New funds to expand primary care residency programs: HHS announced $19.2 million to support and expand residency training in community-based care settings.
NEW RESOURCES
Federal guidance, local tools, and new research are being published every day. Below are the newest items we've selected that will be helpful to the HCH community.
Federal guidance, local tools, and new research are being published every day. Below are the newest items we've selected that will be helpful to the HCH community.
Have a resource or issue you want to add to a future COVID-19 Flash Blast? Let us know! Email Katie League.
Katie League, LCSW-C COVID-19 Project Manager
National Health Care for the Homeless Council kleague@nhchc.org
If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, click here.
Follow us for the most up-to-date information on Council news and programs!
National Health Care for the Homeless Council
National Institute for Medical Respite Care
Visit us on the web:
Grounded in human rights and social justice, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council's mission is to build an equitable, high-quality health care system through training, research, and advocacy in the movement to end homelessness.
