Aerosol-generating precautions, COVID-19 outcomes, resuming clinical education, possible extension of public health emergency, and more.
After you're done reading below, find other resources at our COVID-19 page.
From APTA
New Resource Identifies Precautions Related to Mobility and Exercise as Aerosol-Generating Procedures
A new APTA resource explores how PTs and PTAs can best protect themselves and others from virus exposure during patient mobilization, exercise, and ambulation.
COVID-19 Core Outcome Measures Established
APTA and several academies and sections developed outcome measures for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who want to improve function, strength, endurance, cognition, and quality of life.
APTA Provides Overview of Telehealth Billing and Coding Considerations
Now available from APTA: A snapshot of the current trends in billing and coding for physical therapist services provided via telehealth, along with basic recommendations.
From the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
MIPS Reporting Relief?
An "Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances" exception could allow clinicians to have MIPS performance categories reweighted.
From CDC
CDC Updates Guidance on Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Illness
CDC's list of underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness has been expanded to include chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, weakened immune system after solid organ transplant, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes. The agency also clarified that increased risk of severe illness isn't limited to adults 65 and older, but instead increases with age.
Reports and Guidance
ACAPT Releases Guidance on Resuming Physical Therapy Clinical Education
A new resource from the American Council for Academic Physical Therapy is aimed at helping physical therapy clinical educators make decisions on when and how to resume clinical education experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance covers considerations related to feasibility of student participation, maximizing capacity, student preparation, and management of clinical education experiences.
Survey: More than 50% of Assisted Living Facilities Have Less Than a Two-Week Supply of PPE
The National Center for Assisted Living's survey of 375 facilities found that appropriate PPE is in short supply, with 53% of respondents reporting that they have less than a two-week supply of N95 masks, and 52% reporting fewer than two weeks' worth of protective gowns.
In the Media
Renewal of Public Health Emergency Seems Likely
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "The COVID-19 public health emergency that was set to expire July 25 will be extended, Health and Human Services spokesman Michael Caputo tweeted Monday night. The extension would prolong the emergency designation by 90 days."
A New Record for the U.S.: 50,000 Coronavirus Cases Reported in a Single Day
From NPR: "Johns Hopkins University & Medicine's Coronavirus Resource Center, which tracks the virus worldwide, says the total number of cases reported in the U.S. [on July 1] stands at 2,686,480, an increase of 50,700 over Tuesday's [June 30] figure. Deaths attributed to the coronavirus stand at 128,062."
Extension of Paycheck Protection Program Headed to President's Desk
From CNN: "The US House passed an extension of the $660 billion Paycheck Protection Program fewer than 24 hours after the program shut its doors, moving one step closer to reopening the cornerstone small business coronavirus relief effort. The House passed the extension, which would keep the program open to applications to August 8, unanimously. The measure will now go to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature."
Scientists Track Multiple Health Problems Associated with COVID-19
From Reuters: "In addition to respiratory distress, patients with COVID-19 can experience blood clotting disorders that can lead to strokes, and extreme inflammation that attacks multiple organ systems. The virus can also cause neurological complications that range from headache, dizziness and loss of taste or smell to seizures and confusion."
Physical Activity Rates Suffer During Pandemic
From Medpage Today: "In the first 10 days after the World Health Organization's March 11 declaration that COVID-19 was officially a global pandemic, smartphone users worldwide showed a 5.5% decrease in mean daily steps (287 fewer steps). In the first 30 days, mean daily steps dropped 27.3% (1,432 fewer steps)."