COVID-19 - Moving forward

In this class we have discussed the COVID-19 pandemic on a number of occasions. I recently came across the “Work for America” plan created by the CDC and FEMA, which outlines their plan to end the shelter in place order. The plan consist of three phases, the first of which is expected to last through May 1^st. Phase 1 consists of a national communication campaign to inform the public about social distancing, proper testing, general re-opening plans, and job programs. In addition to the national communication campaign, this time will also be used to determine the appropriate thresholds for restricting or loosening re-opening measures, and coordination between the federal, state, and local authorities will begin.

The second phase will focus first on prompt manufacturing of testing kits and PPE. Manufacturing capacity will be repurposed to this end, and programs will be implemented to train local staff in order to strengthen the nation’s health system. This phase is also focused on promoting economic recovery.  Free or subsidized assistance will be provided to help businesses adjust to providing remote services or e-commerce, and grants will be provided to promote telework and e-learning infrastructure.

 Phase 3 of the plan is stratified by mitigation category. The first communities to reopen will be those in which significant spread was never observed (low mitigation), followed by areas experiencing controlled recovery (moderate mitigations). Emerging hot spots, or areas where healthcare capacity is strained will likely remain sheltered in place until conditions improve. Low mitigation areas are thought to be able to re-open “not before May 1^st” and moderate mitigation communities “not before June?”. It is thought that re-opening will occur gradually, beginning with childcare services, followed by other community settings every couple of weeks. Central to this plan is widespread testing, which is recommended for symptomatic individuals & exposed contacts, health care workers, critical infrastructure workers, staff in high risk facilities, in-home services for high risk populations, rapid results and self-isolation of positives and their household members. Anyone testing positive would be expected to self-quarantine.

Although not specifically stated in this plan, I think this pandemic response presents an opportunity for pharmacist engagement. Our profession is experienced with a number of point-of-care testing devices and perhaps, with our advocacy, we could contribute to increased screenings. Additionally, community pharmacies are often the first place individuals come when mildly ill, which could certainly be the case with COVID-19. This presents an opportunity to direct these patients toward the proper healthcare resources to ensure they get tested. What ways do you think pharmacists can help with this crisis moving forward?

The CDC/FEMA plan can be found here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/focus-on-the-future-going-to-work-for-america/89ccccbc-7bf0-48d3-8f0c-275494a3b009/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_7