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July 28, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
In an effort to provide accurate and helpful information to POMA members, we have gathered some of the resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time. We hope this helps you in staying on top of the latest developments in the spread of the disease and in helping your patients.
Stay safe and healthy!
New Headlines
Pennsylvania Registers Spike in COVID-19 Cases
Pennsylvania reported 986 new COVID-19 infections on July 27, more than six times the daily average of early July. The number hospitalized with COVID-19 also showed a sharp increase with 430 people hospitalized, up from about 260 at the beginning of last week. The statewide percent positivity rate for the week of July 16-22 is 2.6%.
According to the CDC, counties with substantial or high transmission in Pennsylvania include:
- Substantial: Adams County, Lawrence County, Monroe County, Northampton County, Wyoming County
- High: Cameron County, Crawford County
Governor Tom Wolf said he isn't considering a return to tighter restrictions for Pennsylvania, instead relying on vaccination. According to the CDC, as of July 27, 62.5% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.
CDC Issues New Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
On Wednesday, July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new recommendations for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the Delta variant.
The CDC now recommends for fully vaccinated people to:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
- Wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
- Be tested 3-5 days after a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until a negative test result is obtained.
The CDC also recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
Pennsylvania Offers Recommendations for Upcoming School Year
On Monday, July 26, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (PDE) offered recommendations to families and schools in preparation for in-person teaching and learning.
The DOH and PDE recommends:
- All Pennsylvanians aged 12 and older to get their COVID-19 vaccinations before the new school year;
- All K-12 school entities are advised to follow current CDC guidance to the greatest extent possible, when creating and implementing mitigation policies and practices.
- Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals age 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated according to CDC guidelines. Schools may adopt stricter masking policies.
Read the full press release here.
Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Pennsylvania is currently administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.
According to the PA Department of Health, as of July 27th, 11,547,908 total doses have been administered. There are 5,670,689 fully vaccinated people with a seven-day moving average of more than 12,200 people per day receiving vaccinations.
According to the CDC, as of July 27, 62.5% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated and Pennsylvania ranks 8th among all states for total doses administered.
Become a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider
POMA is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) to spread the word that YOU can become a COVID-19 vaccine provider!
Last month, Pennsylvania's Acting Physician General Denise Johnson, MD spoke about the DOH's current vaccine objective, pivoting from larger/mass vaccination sites to community physician practices. Enroll as a provider and administer the vaccine in your office - click here to access the enrollment form.
Read the full message from Dr. Johnson regarding this important initiative and how you can keep your community healthy.
PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates
Previously Published but Relevant Headlines
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Map
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a provider map along with an eligibility survey on its website to help those eligible, including health care workers not affiliated with a hospital, find a location to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Users can search by location, type in an address or zip code and filter by facility type.
Updated Pennsylvania Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Cases, Graphics, Resources
Briefings and Updates from Pa. Governor Wolf and the Department of Health
Resources from the CDC
The CDC has provided guidance and resources for healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, as well as information for schools and childcare, businesses and employers, community and faith-based organizations, and the general public. Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage for more information.
POMA will continue monitoring COVID-19 and provide updates and recommendations from PA-DOH, the CDC, the WHO and local health agencies. POMA's COVID-19 webpage and social media channels will be updated as information is shared from these organizations.
If you have any comments or questions for POMA, please email us at [email protected].
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