FDA approves Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech's updated COVID-19 vaccines, and HHS announces $1.4 billion for Project NextGen.

HHS will host the Aug. 24 webinar to gather input from a variety of health care stakeholders on hospital preparedness before, during, and after emergencies.

HHS announced the formation of the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to lead the long COVID response as EG.5 subvariant cases increase.

The CDC Bridge Access Program will provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults following the end of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program; the GAO released a new report outlining recommendations for future public health emergency preparedness.

CDC reports that roughly three-fourths of all Americans aged 16 and older had contracted COVID-19 by the end of 2022; the agency also reports new data showing the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the lowest-income communities.

Starting Oct. 1, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program will cover only COVID-19 vaccines that have been fully approved by the Food and Drug and Administration.

Moderna seeks FDA authorization for an updated vaccine, Invivyd announces a pathway to potential emergency use authorization for the monoclonal antibody adintrevimab, and the CDC tracks a new subvariant, EU.1.1.

A CDC study confirms that a third mRNA vaccine is safe for children; FDA grants marketing authorization for the Cue at-home COVID-19 test.

Two CDC studies indicate that adults who have not received a bivalent mRNA booster vaccine have little remaining protection against COVID-19–associated hospitalization and that half of Americans aged 16 and up have hybrid immunity against the virus.

After months of back and forth between Republican lawmakers and the White House, President Joe Biden signs legislation to suspend the debt ceiling through 2024. The bill does not include work requirements for Medicaid recipients, a condition Republicans had sought early in negotiations.

This legislation effectively postpones the debt ceiling issue for two years, dispelling concerns of a potential financial catastrophe. This Action Update summarizes the legislation and provisions of interest to essential hospitals.

A World Health Organization advisory group recommends using the XBB subvariant in future vaccines; the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recalls eight respirators.

An HHS fact sheet details policy changes with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency; ASPR announces Project NextGen; CDC says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine no longer is available in the United States.

The World Health Organization has ended the COVID-19 global health emergency designation, and the CDC will use hospitalization data to track COVID-19 spread.

FDA amends the Pfizer vaccine authorization for immunocompromised children aged 6 months to 4 years old, while the Biden administration ends its vaccine requirement for federal employees.

CDC simplifies vaccine recommendations for all age groups; a new HHS program supports COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for uninsured Americans.

Both the CDC and World Health Organization now recommend just one bivalent booster dose for healthy adults and children with no immunocompromising conditions.

A bivalent vaccine that protects against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza will not be available this year, while a CDC advisory committee says there is not enough evidence to recommend more than one annual COVID-19 booster for immunocompromised people.

National Institutes of Health research finds that Black and Hispanic Americans face greater long COVID-19 risks, the CDC says that primary series vaccination protects children ages 3–5 for four months, and Novavax will deliver an additional 1.5 million doses.

The CDC updated the 2023 immunization schedule for children and adolescents to include the COVID-19 primary vaccine series, and the FDA cleared for commercial distribution a device that detects 15 respiratory viral and bacterial infections.

FDA no longer requires a positive COVID-19 test to receive a Paxlovid or Lagevrio prescription; CDC reports that bivalent boosters protect against XBB and XBB.1.5 SARS-Co-V-2 subvariants.

FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee votes to replace the original monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, Evusheld no longer is authorized under emergency use, and the CDC launches a COVID-19 testing locator.

An FDA committee will vote on the future of the COVID-19 vaccine, while CDC unveils two trackers for COVID-19, flu, and RSV–related hospital and emergency department visits.

The National Institutes of Health launches the Home Test to Treat program; FDA and CDC report a COVID-19 vaccine safety concern for those ages 65 and older.

FDA and CDC say Evusheld is unlikely to neutralize the XBB.1.5 subvariant, and a CDC report indicates COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents is highest among Asian and Hispanic youth. 

Registration is open now for the two Climate Change and Cardiovascular Disease Collaborative webinars on Jan. 12, at noon ET, and Feb. 9, at noon ET.

FDA approves the use of Actemra, a monoclonal antibody treatment, as COVID-19 cases caused by the XBB.1.5 subvariant of SARS-CoV-2 spike.

CDC expands its recommendation for bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years old as health agencies confront low vaccination rates among children.

FDA pauses its emergency use authorization of bebtelovimab, which does not protect against prevalent SARS-CoV-2 subvariants; CDC updates its guidance for managing COVID-19 in congregate living settings to align with previous guidance.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna data indicate that bivalent vaccines provide greater protection than the original monovalent vaccine against the emerging BQ.1.1 omicron subvariant, while the CDC reports low COVID-19 vaccination numbers among children.

A JAMA Network open study highlights disparities in access to Test-to-Treat sites; the Biden administration holds a White House COVID-19 Equity Summit.

A new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that Paxlovid can reduce risk of long COVID-19; new data show Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines substantially increase immune responses compared with monovalent vaccines.

President Joe Biden urges Americans to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine, which protects against the original SARS-CoV-2 variant and BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

A CDC committee recommends the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccines in the 2023 immunization schedule; the administration releases a biodefense strategy.

CDC recommends for younger age groups updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccines that target the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of SARS-CoV-2.

HHS links COVID-19 vaccinations to fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and NIH details its plan to study long COVID-19 effects.

CDC issued a health advisory reminding health care providers to remain aware of a patient’s international travel history.

CDC updates guidance on infection control for health care personnel and staff shortages, as well as its global pandemic response strategy.

CDC reports lower in-hospital mortality rates from the omicron variant, providers have until Sept. 30 to report period 3 Provider Relief Fund spending.

The Biden administration encourages organizations to commit to working toward its goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030.

CDC recommends updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccines that target the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of SARS-CoV-2.

No-cost, at-home COVID-19 tests no longer will be offered through the United States Postal Service, CDC releases a fall vaccination plan, and FDA warns prescribers about Paxlovid drug interactions.

Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its omicron-specific booster vaccine, the National Healthcare Safety Network will take over hospital data reporting, and CMS tells hospitals to brace for the public health emergency's end.

CDC updated its COVID-19 safety guidelines, FDA warned of false negative test risks, and bebtelovimab will transition to the commercial marketplace.

HHS agreed to purchase 66 million Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses, while the CDC reported fewer vaccine reactions for those older than 50 who receive a second mRNA booster shot.

As the World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, CDC updates clinical guidance, and HHS plans to allocate additional vaccine doses.

CDC recommends the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults and reports that additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses increase protection against moderate and severe COVID-19.

The strategy aims to deploy vaccines rapidly in the most affected communities, facilitate testing, and engage stakeholders to mitigate spread.

The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity announced a climate change webinar series, beginning July 14, and shared a companion resource compendium.

CDC recommends the Moderna vaccine for kids ages 6 to 17; an FDA committee will consider modifying COVID-19 vaccine composition to reflect virus mutations.

CDC recommends that children ages 6 months to 5 years receive a COVID-19 vaccine; Pfizer study data shows Paxlovid failed to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms.

CDC is tracking monkeypox, a virus endemic to west and central Africa, after confirming a case in a Massachusetts resident who recently traveled to Canada.

Pfizer and BioNTech release promising data on a three-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to younger than 5; CDC expands booster shot eligibility to include everyone 5 years old and older.

FDA limits authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine after reports of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome following vaccination; a new analysis estimates vaccines are associated with $2.6 million in savings due to a reduction in Medicare hospitalizations.

A new omicron subvariant, BA.2.12.1, constitutes more than 30 percent of U.S. genomic sequences; Moderna files for emergency use authorization for a vaccine for children younger than 6.

Moderna releases promising preliminary data on its variant-specific COVID-19 booster shot; CDC launches a Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics.

President Joe Biden announces a national research plan on prolonged illness developed after COVID-19; FDA limits authorization of sotrovimab to treat COVID-19.

CDC recommends an additional COVID-19 booster for older and immunocompromised adults; COVID.gov aggregates COVID-19 prevention and treatment tools; CDC data show threats to youth mental health during the pandemic.

FDA authorizes a second vaccine booster for older and immunocompromised individuals; OSHA reopens the comment period for its emergency temporary standard.

Research shows mRNA vaccines effectively prevent ventilation and death from COVID-19; Pfizer and Moderna seek authorization for an additional booster dose.

The Transportation Security Administration extends to April 18 its public transit mask mandate; HHS shares a fact sheet on the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat initiative.

President Joe Biden unveils a new COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan; FEMA extends its 100 percent federal cost share for COVID-19 efforts.

CDC announces a new community-level framework that assesses COVID-19 risk; the Biden administration unveils a new COVID-19 mitigation plan for people with disabilities.

National emergency extended; new study highlights conditions and symptoms developed after COVID-19 infection; CDC updates vaccine guidance with clarifications for immunocompromised people.

Authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to four years old is delayed; FDA authorizes the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab.

FDA approves the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and limits a monoclonal antibody authorization; OSHA withdraws its vaccine mandate emergency temporary standard.

The Biden administration will distribute 400 million no-cost N95 masks; CDC studies highlight the importance of boosters in protecting against COVID-19.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld CMS' vaccine mandate but struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's mandate; President Joe Biden announced new initiatives to expand testing access.

The nomination of Robert Califf, MD, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration advances to the Senate floor. The Republican-led Healthy Futures Task Force issues several requests for information on telehealth policies and health care affordability.

CDC shortens the time between primary vaccine series and booster shot and recommends a Pfizer booster for adolescents; the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on two vaccine mandates; HHS requires coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests, effective Jan. 15.

FDA expands authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster; FDA authorizes two antiviral pills; CMS updates guidance on vaccine mandate compliance.

CDC recommends mRNA COVID-19 vaccines be given clinical preference over the Janssen vaccine; the CMS vaccine mandate rule is revived in 25 states.

FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster for individuals as young as 16; the agency also authorizes a monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 prevention.

As the omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant reaches the United States, President Joe Biden releases a new plan to combat COVID-19; CMS will not enforce its health care worker vaccine mandate amid legal challenges.

FDA and CDC endorse expanded eligibility for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine doses; Pfizer seeks authorization for its COVID-19 antiviral pill.

CDC recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11; CMS holds a stakeholder call on its vaccine mandate for health care workers. Pfizer says its investigational novel COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate significantly reduces hospitalization and death.

FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in children ages 5 to 11 and delays approval of the Moderna vaccine in adolescents ages 12 to 17. The agency recommends providers avoid purchasing or using imported medical gloves from certain companies that might be in violation of laws and rules.

FDA and CDC recommend Moderna and Janssen booster vaccines, along with heterologous booster doses; the Biden administration releases a plan to vaccinate children.

The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee endorses booster shots of the Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Meanwhile, FDA delays authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents ages 12 to 17 after reports of cardiac side effects.

An HHS report shows the COVID-19 vaccine prevented hospitalization and death in Medicare beneficiaries; Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its vaccine in children age 5 to 11.

HHS guidance clarifies how HIPAA applies to COVID-19 vaccination status requests; CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated amid a surge in hospitalizations.

FDA on Sept. 22 authorized a third booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for select groups. A CDC panel subsequently recommended the booster shots, and CMS announced coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries and nearly all Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program beneficiaries.

An FDA advisory committee recommends a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster for a limited population; CDC announces $2.1 billion dedicated to infection control and prevention.

The president's newly announced "Path out of the Pandemic" plan includes action steps for increasing vaccinations, further protecting those who are vaccinated, keeping schools safely open, testing and mask requirements, and economic recovery. CDC updates its infection control guidance.

An FDA committee will review Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster application; Moderna is applying for booster approval. CDC data show COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise among children.

A CDC advisory committee voted Aug. 30 to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; the agency warns against using ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19.

FDA approves the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. HHS plans to promote a booster shot of the mRNA vaccines beginning in September. CMS and CDC work to develop an emergency regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination for nursing home staff.

FDA and CDC recommend a third mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose for immunocompromised people; CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

CDC recommends everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear a mask indoors in public in areas with substantial and high COVID-19 transmission.

As COVID-19 cases rise, the association calls on members to require employee vaccination; CDC urges immunocompromised people to continue wearing masks.

The U.S. Surgeon General issues a health misinformation advisory; CDC and the Office of Minority Health develop a Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration extends to Aug. 20 the comment period for the COVID-19 health care emergency temporary standard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration say fully vaccinated individuals do not need COVID-19 booster shots.

The interim guidance covers physical and mental health conditions present four or more weeks after some COVID-19 infections, including by patients who initially had mild or asymptomatic acute infections.

Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated 90.4 percent efficacy in clinical trials; CDC urges vaccination upon hospital discharge.

President Biden announces a National Month of Action to vaccinate 70 percent of U.S. adults by July 4; Moderna applies for FDA approval of its vaccine.

FDA lengthens the refrigerator storage time for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A new CDC site aggregates state and local COVID-19 funding opportunities. The Department of Health and Human Services allocates $4.8 billion to the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program.

New CDC recommendations no longer require people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear a mask or physically distance.

A CDC brief updates transmission methods; Pfizer applies for FDA approval of its vaccine; CMS increases the Medicare payment for monoclonal antibodies.

New CDC guidelines walk back outdoor mask regulations for fully vaccinated people; two research studies examine adverse reactions to the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

CDC and FDA lift the pause on Janssen vaccine administration after blood clot reports. Data show COVID-19 patients have long-term health needs.

Everyone in the United States ages 16 and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine; CDC's advisory committee will meet April 23 to discuss the Janssen vaccine pause.

CDC and FDA recommend pausing Janssen COVID-19 vaccine administration after six U.S. reports of blood clots; HHS expands the Health Center Vaccine Program.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky declared racism a serious public health threat and outlined agency efforts to mitigate the impact of racism on public health. The association applauds Walensky's clear statement on systemic racism.

HHS and CDC launch a nationwide grassroots vaccine promotion network; CDC issues new guidance on travel, cleaning, and disinfection.

President Joe Biden announced initiatives to expand COVID-19 vaccine access; a CDC study shows mRNA vaccines are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS updated its guidance document to expand on best practices, lessons, and planning considerations for emerging infectious diseases. 

FDA alerts providers about monoclonal antibody–resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants; a new study examines vaccine rates in counties where residents experience a high number of social risk factors.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its COVID-19 enforcement plan; CDC updates infection control guidance for vaccinated people in health care facilities.

CDC releases public health guidelines for fully vaccinated people; CMS invites hospitals to pilot a COVID-19 learning series.

CDC warns health care providers to stay vigilant amid Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea.

A CDC report shows promising COVID-19 vaccine safety profiles; the federal COVID-19 task force expands support for vaccination and testing.

CDC provides new vaccine demographic data and guidelines for ensuring close-fitting face masks; President Biden appoints two essential hospital leaders to a health equity task force.

Janssen applied for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine; a CDC report shows reporting gaps in ethnic and racial data of vaccine recipients.

A new CDC order requires mask use on public transportation; a PREP Act amendment expands the provider groups authorized to administer vaccines.

CDC requires a negative test or travel clearance from a health care professional to enter the country; President Biden issues COVID-19 national strategy and complementary executive orders.

As a highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant spreads across the country, CDC issues two new vaccination toolkits; HHS alters its Provider Relief Fund reporting timeline.

CDC shares information about two highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 variants, allergic reactions in Pfizer vaccine recipients, and vaccines for pregnant people.

CDC announces target groups for phases 1b and 1c of COVID-19 vaccine allocation; a new brief recommends strategies for building vaccine trust.

FDA issues an emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine and an at-home antigen test; a CDC committee votes on allocation recommendations.

FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use; HHS expands hospital COVID-19 data reporting requirements to include therapeutic data.

CDC recommends groups to prioritize in vaccine distribution and revises antigen testing guidance.

Moderna applied for emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine; CDC issued ethical vaccine application principles and updated face mask guidance for health care workers.

An interim analysis of Moderna Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results; CDC guidance highlights that wearing a mask can protect the wearer.

FDA grants emergency use authorization for an Eli Lilly antibody treatment; a Pfizer vaccine has promising early results; President-elect Biden names a COVID-19 advisory board.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated guidance for mask use on public transportation; the Food and Drug Administration has expanded its list of approved remote patient monitoring devices during the pandemic.

Hospital COVID-19 data is public on HHS Protect; FDA approves first treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients; CDC redefines "close contact."

CDC reports that airborne transmission is rare but possible; a framework includes recommendations for equitable vaccine allocation.

CMS released a guide and online payment option for laboratories seeking approval to test for COVID-19; CDC studies COVID-19 in health care workers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reverses guidance that asymptomatic patients do not need to be tested. The agency also announced a new semiweekly publication summarizing COVID-19 studies.

An Operation Warp Speed strategy summarizes the federal government's plan for distributing and administering a COVID-19 vaccine.

More than 40 percent of U.S. adults report delaying or avoiding care due to COVID-19 fears; FDA shares vaccine development updates.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a preliminary framework for equitable allocations of a COVID-19 vaccine that rests on foundational principles, including maximizing benefits, fairness, mitigating health inequities, equal regard, evidence-based work, and transparency.

CDC no longer encourages asymptomatic people to get tested; FDA expands its remdesivir emergency use authorization and authorizes a new antigen test with instant results.

FDA issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma treatment of COVID-19 patients, along with guidance for pooled testing and screening.

HHS announces $6.5 million in testing investments; CDC issues antigen testing guidance; HHS partners with Moderna to manufacture and deliver its vaccine.

CDC onboards health departments to conduct electronic data reporting; HHS awards funding to Johnson & Johnson for vaccine manufacturing and delivery.

Health systems can add CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker to their own website; HHS updates COVID-19 data reporting FAQs; CDC shares guidance on pooling tests.

CDC releases a COVID-19 health equity strategy, and FDA shares options for screening substitutions amid supply issues.

The HHS Coronavirus Data Hub goes live; CDC guidance recommends a symptom-based strategy for COVID-19 patients. CMS data show an increase in telehealth use among Medicare beneficiaries. The IRS extends the deadline for tax-exempt hospitals to conduct a community health needs assessment.

HHS has acquired additional remdesivir to be sold at wholesale allocation price; CDC reports declining emergency department use during the pandemic and updates its list of conditions that increase risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

New CDC guidance offers best practices to safely venture outside and begin to resume daily activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as information on using telehealth to expand access. CMS releases recommendations for non-emergent care in areas that are in Phase II of recovery.

New guidance provides details on COVID-19 lab test data reporting and flexible options for states implementing a Medicaid group for testing the uninsured.

The Joint Commission will resume regular surveys of health care facilities; Gilead Sciences Inc. donates a second round of remdesivir to treat severe COVID-19 cases; CDC issues antibody testing guidelines.

CMS updates Medicare payment information to capture two new testing codes; FDA updates testing FAQs; CDC issues resources for reopening businesses and organizations.

CDC warns of an inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19. The agency also shares its serology surveillance strategy and guidance for resuming care unrelated to COVID-19.

A new study highlights racial disparities among COVID-19 patients; CDC updates testing and isolation guidelines and releases National Healthcare Safety Network data.

CDC revised its testing guidance to reflect six new COVID-19 symptoms: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. HHS released a Workforce Virtual Toolkit, and CMS released a State Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit.

CMS announced waivers for IPPS and long-term care hospitals; Medicare will nearly double payment for select COVID-19 tests; CDC developed a new National Healthcare Safety Network COVID-19 module.

New CDC guidance requires face coverings for all who enter a health care facility. HHS Secretary Azar issues FAQs on testing and reporting requirements. Federal agencies warn about scams related to COVID-19.

HHS sends rapid tests to public health labs and issues a HIPAA enforcement notice; CDC recommends cloth masks; a new OIG report details hospital challenges amid the pandemic.

FDA will not object to the use of improvised face masks; a CDC tool helps health care providers estimate their personal protective equipment supply.

CMS releases guidance for hospitals in quality reporting programs; CDC updates guidelines for testing and handling COVID-19 specimens.

CDC recommends shelters plan for higher usage during the outbreak and consult with community leaders, local public health departments, and faith-based organizations about places to refer clients if a shelter space is full.

President Trump declared a national emergency as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. nears 3,500. CMS responds to concerns about complying with Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requirements and CDC released updated infection control guidance for health care providers.

As U.S. cases of the new coronavirus rise to more than 400, the agency updates guidelines for testing patients and for health care workers exposed to COVID-19.

Both chambers passed a bill providing more than $8 billion to combat the new coronavirus; House leaders now are discussing legislation to mitigate economic impacts associated with the virus. A Senate letter calling to incorporate social determinants into hospital star ratings closes tomorrow.

The new code applies to tests conducted outside CDC laboratories; CMS also issued frequently asked questions and fact sheets about COVID-19–related billing.

These cases bring the total number of COVID-19 cases detected and confirmed in the United States to 16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have issued new guidance and resources to prevent the spread of the virus and improve testing.

The agency announced it will count patients repatriated by the Department of State separately from other cases. Additionally, the World Health Organization developed an emergency ICD-10 code for COVID-19.

The new coronavirus — now officially called COVID-19 — has infected 15 people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance for health care providers to help with risk assessment, monitoring, and work restriction decisions.

The new authorization allows any CDC-qualified laboratory to use the 2019-nCoV diagnostic test. Each test kit can evaluate up to 800 patient samples.

A new rule allows CDC to require that airlines collect and provide data on passengers and crew arriving from foreign countries for health education, treatment, prophylaxis, or other public health interventions.

Five cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the United States; CDC will host a Jan. 31 call for clinicians to share updated guidance about the virus.

Funding will support the State Opioid Response Grant Program and a cooperative agreement to help state and local governments track overdose data.

The budget plan proposes to overhaul the Medicaid program, as well as significantly change the 340B Drug Pricing Program and expand site-neutral payment policies in hospital outpatient departments.

This funding supports initiatives under the agency's Five-Point Opioid Strategy and was distributed in conjunction with Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services waived program requirements in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued guidance for treating carbon monoxide poisoning in hurricane victims.

In a blog post, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official notes that providers should consider health equity during emergency preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure disparities are not inadvertently created or exacerbated.

The special open-door forum aims to educate prescribers on federal resources and strategies to combat the opioid epidemic.

The emergency declaration expands telemedicine services to treat addiction and opens up the Public Health Emergency Fund, among other actions to combat the opioid crisis.

The emergency operations center was activated in January 2016 to respond to the harmful effects of the virus when contracted during pregnancy.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies have released several resources to help health care providers prepare for and respond to disasters.

Essential hospitals, key providers of public health and emergency preparedness services, stand ready to support the nation's response to the spreading Zika virus. Find resources from the CDC and other experts here.

The findings highlight the need for continued mosquito surveillance and can help health departments and mosquito control districts plan for outbreaks.

The Vital Signs report notes ways to prevent the bacterial lung infection, which is fatal in 25 percent of people who contract it at a health care facility.

The webinar will focus on managing resources, setting priorities, engaging stakeholders, and anticipating needs during crises, such as disease outbreaks.

The blueprint also shifts CDC funding to a $500 million block grant and creates a Federal Emergency Response Fund for public health outbreaks, like Zika.

The March 22 webinar will outline the agencies' roles in the expansion of the program model, next steps for organization considering offering it & more.

Hospitals and eligible professionals now can register to submit National Health Care Survey data in 2017.

While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.

The funding is being administered by SAMHSA and CDC as part of HHS' Opioid Initiative, which aims to combat opioid misuse, dependence, and overdose.

The new recommendations are based on principles that promote alternative therapies and minimum effective opioid dosage. CDC also released fact sheets and other resources.

FDA official notes "urgent need” to accelerate development of medical products to combat the virus and says the agency will “leverage its authorities" to aid that process.

The guidance, open for a 30-day public comment period, will give providers more clarity on the appropriate use of opioid prescriptions outside of cancer and palliative care; comments are due Jan. 13.

Obama administration proposal would add drug utilization review and restriction program to Medicare to fight opioid overuse.

The panel will assess the impact of potential regulations on this exposure. The SBA seeks small business entity representatives to inform the panel.

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations called an emergency hearing to address the Ebola outbreak, including the capacity to contain it in the United States.