Community Testing

Community testing events serve the residents of Missouri. DHSS is partnering with the Missouri National Guard, local health departments, health care providers to offer these events, and different communities will be reached at different times. If you do not see any community testing events in your area, you can continue to check back with this page https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=DEX3J7THHM as new sites will be added as events are planned. Below is a list of currently planned events.

Peculiar, Cass County

June 11-12

7am-7pm

Washington, Franklin County

June 13-15

7am-3pm

Warrensburg, Johnson County

June 14

7am-3pm

Sedalia, Pettis County

June 15

10am-6pm

Higginsville, Lafayette County

June 16

12pm-6pm

Richmond, Ray County

June 16

12pm-6pm

Wright City, Warren County

June 17

7am-3pm

Carrollton, Carroll County

June 17

2pm-6pm

Keytesville, Chariton County

June 17

2pm-6pm

Troy, Lincoln County

June 18-19

7am-3pm

Lewistown, Lewis County

June 19

7am-2pm

California, Moniteau County

June 19

7am-2pm

California, Moniteau County

June 20

12pm-4pm

Bowling Green, Pike County

June 19

10am-4pm

Memphis, Scotland County

June 20

12pm-4pm

Montgomery City, Montgomery County

June 20

12pm-6pm

Linn, Osage County

June 20

12pm-6pm

Salem, Dent County

June 20

8am-8pm

Statewide Announcement

Thank you to everyone that has worked to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Our efforts have prevented countless infections and saved lives. Unfortunately, this virus is relentless and remains present in our communities. As we continue reopening our economy and communities, we too must be relentless in our prevention efforts.

Prevention and testing will be key to a safe reopening. As activities resume, it is critical that we continue with prevention efforts both at work and at home. The following preventions should continue to be diligently followed:

  • Practice good hand hygiene.
    • Wash your hand often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Continue to practice social distancing.
    • Maintain 6 feet of spacing between yourself and others not living in your household.
    • Maintain social distancing while at work, as much as possible.
  • Wear cloth face coverings when out in public.
    • Face coverings have been shown to cut transmission by 50% or more.
  • Don’t touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you are sick and seek medical care and screening for COVID-19 if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

CDC COCA Call: Applying COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Nursing Homes

June 16, 2020: Applying COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Nursing Homes
Presenters: LCDR Kara M. Jacobs Slifka, MD, MPH (USPHS), Infection Prevention and Control Team, COVID-19 Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Nimalie D. Stone, MD, Infection Prevention and Control Team, COVID-19 Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

During this COCA call, presenters will use case-based scenarios to discuss how to apply infection prevention and control guidance for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that are preparing for and responding to COVID-19.

If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, the recording will be available for viewing on the COCA Call webpage a few hours after the live event ends.

The slide set will be available under “Call Materials” on the COCA Call webpage.

Please click this link to join the webinar: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615543668.

Consumer Voice Webinar for Family Members on Advocating for Residents During COVID-19

Families are facing many new issues as they support and care for their loved ones in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Consumer Voice for a webinar on Thursday, June 18 at 2:00pm ET to gain information and tips on how to advocate for quality care individually and through family councils.

The webinar will also cover topics of particular concern to family members, including visitation, facility transparency and reporting requirements, transfers and discharges, COVID-19 testing and more. Register here »

More Community Testing

Community sampling gives the state a better sense of COVID-19 prevalence in a given area, which will help guide its response and ease uncertainty for Missourians. If prevalence is low, this will help reassure citizens that it is safe to begin re-engaging in the community and returning to somewhat normal operations. If prevalence is higher, quick and proactive steps will be taken to keep the virus from spreading further in the community.

Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a nasal swab to see if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual. Missouri residency is the only requirement; individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms.

Location selection for this period of community sampling is based on inadequate testing according to the number of confirmed cases and the number of total tests conducted prior to these events. Counties hosting upcoming community testing events are Scott, Platte, Stoddard, Carter, Ripley, Cass, Franklin, Johnson, Pettis, Lafayette, Ray, Warren, Carroll, Chariton, Lincoln, Lewis, Moniteau, Pike, Scotland, Montgomery and Osage.

Appointments can now be made online for events June 8-12 on the DHSS registration site. Events scheduled from June 13-20 will continue to be added over the next few days.

For more from this press release go to https://health.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/9fe780c4-ee40-438d-ade1-d3e57126add7/community-covid-19-testing-events-continue-throughout-missouri.

Upcoming Testing Locations:

    • Joseph – June 9
    • Sikeston, Scott County – June 8
    • Platte City, Platte County – June 8-9
    • Dexter, Stoddard County – June 10
    • Van Buren, Carter County – June 11
    • Doniphan, Ripley County – June 11
    • Peculiar, Cass County – June 11-12

Use this link to register and remember check back as more testing locations will be added next week.
https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=FAMNRL3LF7

COVID-19 Data Update

The Department of Health and Senior Services posted a State of Missouri COVID-19 analytics update on June 3. The link is here: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/analytics-update060320.pdf.

This analytics updated includes multiple data points inform Missouri’s COVID-19 response. Check the update to find out more about:

  • Syndromic surveillance
  • Healthcare system capacity (bed, PPE, and staff availability)
  • Testing
  • COVID-19 cases and deaths
  • Economic and social impact
  • Insights from U.S. states, nationally, and other countries
  • Evidence from scientific literature
  • Mathematical disease modelling

Community Testing Opportunities

Upcoming Testing Locations:

County

Location

Testing Dates

Greene County

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield

June 4 & 5

Cape Girardeau County

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau

June 5

Buchanan

St. Joseph 4th Street & Francis Parking Garage

June 9

More community testing sites are being developed and will be added, please check this link to stay up-to-date on community testing options.

https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=FAMNRL3LF7

Phase 1 Extension

Governor Parson extends Phase 1 of “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan through June 15.

See the press release here – https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-extends-phase-1-show-me-strong-recovery-plan-through-june-15.

Also, this link will take you to local public health orders. Check here to see what is going on in your county or town – https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-extends-phase-1-show-me-strong-recovery-plan-through-june-15.

Reminder – Community Testing Opportunities, some open to all Missourians

Missouri continues to announce community testing events across the state. Several communities will be conducting COVID-19 testing over the next two weeks. For these testing events, participants will not be required to have a doctor’s authorization and there will be no charge to participants. Anyone who wants to be tested may participate – you will not be required to have a known exposure or be experiencing symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms and have struggled to be tested, you can register for one of these testing events. Many of these testing events do not require you to be a resident of the county conducting testing. You must, however, be a resident of Missouri.

Pre-registration for each event is strongly encouraged – https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=FAMNRL3LF7. Check this site often as new testing locations will be added as they are finalized.

Upcoming Testing Locations:

County

Location

Testing Dates

Jackson

Silverstein Eye Center Arena-Independence

May 26-30

Andrew County

Savannah Fire Department

May 29

Pemiscot County

Pemiscot Memorial Hospital, Hayti

May 29-30

St. Charles County

Youth Activity Park, Dardene Prairie

May 29 & 30

Grundy County

First Christian Church, Trenton

May 30

Boone County

Hickman High School, Columbia

June 1 & 2

Jefferson County

Faith Community Church, House Springs

June 1 & 2

Jefferson County

Hillsboro Civic Center, Hillsboro

June 3

Greene County

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield

June 4 & 5

Cape Girardeau County

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau

June 5

 

Community COVID-19 Sampling Events to be Conducted Throughout Missouri

Several counties throughout Missouri have already participated in community sampling efforts in order for public health officials to learn more about the prevalence of COVID-19 transmission. As part of Gov. Mike Parson’s plan announced on May 21 to rapidly increase COVID-19 testing volume to 7,500 tests per day in Missouri, six additional counties will host testing events. The goal is to test nearly 10,000 people over a 10-day period at events in Boone, Cape Girardeau, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson and St. Charles Counties.

Community sampling gives the state a better sense of COVID-19 prevalence in a given area, which will help guide its response and ease uncertainty for Missourians. If prevalence is low, this will help reassure citizens that it is safe to begin re-engaging in the community and returning to somewhat normal operations. If prevalence is higher, quick and proactive steps will be taken to keep the virus from spreading further in the community.

Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a nasal swab to see if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual. Missouri residency is the only requirement; individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms.

  • Boone County
    • June 1-2, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Hickman High School, Columbia
  • Cape Girardeau County
    • June 5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Arena Park, Cape Girardeau
  • Greene County
    • June 4-5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield
  • Jackson County
    • May 26-30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Silverstein Eye Center Arena, Independence
  • Jefferson County
    • June 1-2, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Faith Community Church, House Springs
    • June 3, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Hillsboro Civic Center, Hillsboro
  • St. Charles County
    • May 26-28, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., St. Charles County Public Health Department, St. Charles
    • May 29-30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.. The Youth Activity Park, Dardenne Prairie

Online pre-registration is highly encouraged and will allow for the testing event to run efficiently for patients. Those without access to online pre-registration can call the Missouri COVID-19 hotline for registration assistance at 877-435-8411.

Selection for community sampling is based on locations with the ability to draw participants from a broader region as well as locations that have expressed a need for additional testing resources. It is not based on the number of COVID-19 cases in these counties. CARES Act funding will be used for community sampling. Some counties have also elected to provide community sampling using local funding.

The community-based testing will be operated by the Department of Health and Senior Services and Missouri National Guard in coordination with the hosting local public health agencies.

Over the next two weeks, the state will aggressively execute on this testing strategy, as well as the box-in strategy for outbreaks within facilities and sentinel testing of vulnerable populations. With these strategies in place in addition to the testing already occurring each day, Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams believes the state will reach its goal of 7,500 tests per day. “We have worked hard to determine how to best utilize the testing capacity we now have in our state in order to protect the health of Missourians,” he said.

Once Missouri’s overall testing numbers have increased, the state will reevaluate and determine next steps.

“I cannot emphasize enough how important testing is to our overall recovery plan. All four pillars of our recovery plan are important, but testing will be the key,” Gov. Parson said. “The more testing we do, the more knowledge we have on what the situation in Missouri actually looks like, and the better-equipped we are to move forward.”

Those who would like to be tested can pre-register for the site nearest them at http://health.mo.gov/communitytest. More information can be found at http://health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19 Community Testing

Community testing events serve the residents of the county where the event is being held. DHSS is partnering with local health departments and health care providers to offer these events, and different communities will be reached at different times. Also, some events may not require you to be a resident of the county where an event is taking place. If you are not a resident of a county currently holding a community testing event, you can continue to check back at the link as new sites will be added as events are planned. Please review the information or check your local health departments social messaging for more information.

Click this link to access the information: https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=FAMNRL3LF7.

Here is list of currently scheduled community testing opportunities.

  • John and Beacon, Kansas City – May 19, 20, & 21
  • Savannah High School, Andrew County – May 22
  • Andrew County – May 22 & 29
  • New Madrid County – May 26 & 27
  • South Harrison High School, Harrison County – May 27
  • Pemiscot County – May 28 & 29

New COVID-19 Dashboard

This NEW dashboard contains tons of COVID-19 data that the public can review at will. Cases by county info is still included and is expanded to show daily % increase in cases, 7-day % increase in cases and number of new cases over the last 14-days. In addition, the dashboard includes information on testing, demographics, deaths and hospitalizations.

The link to the dashboard is http://mophep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=8e01a5d8d8bd4b4f85add006f9e14a9d.

DHSS Revised Guidance for Facilities with COVID-19 Positive Cases

These guidelines describe implementation steps to help limit the spread of infection when a staff member or resident develops COVID-19 in your facility. The guidance can be found under the Long Term Care Facilities Link at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/professionals.php#collapseSix. The title of document is COVID-19 LTCF Guidance.

** Please review the document as there are important changes to the guidance, including facility-wide testing upon identification of a positive case and routine follow-up testing.

MODDC: COVID-19 Scholarship Fund

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is excited to announce the COVID-19 Scholarship Fund, which will provide opportunities for individuals and/or family members to apply for one-time funding to use technology as a way to address todays unique barriers. Please share this opportunity with those that might be interested and encourage them to check out our website for a link to the application – https://moddcouncil.org/.

Funds must be used to meet the needs of people with disabilities and/or their families by doing one or several of the following: make informed health choices to live a healthy lifestyle; receive best practice, quality health care; leadership development through self-advocacy; increase access and connection to one’s social network while being social distant compliant.

Activity categories that will be considered for funding:

  • Activities that target stress and anxiety reduction due to social distancing (e.g., technology for virtual visiting, facilitation of peer support groups)
  • Adapting to COVID-19 (e.g., managing work and school at home, staying connected with family and friends)
  • Meaningful virtual engagement during social distancing
  • Other items to support people’s access to health care during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., teaching a class on telehealth, developing resources to explain COVID-19 and how to stay healthy)

Funding will be based on a review of applications. Priority is given to Missourians with disabilities and family members, especially those in rural communities.

Approved amounts are based on general funding levels approved for the Scholarship Fund – $500 per individual or $1,000 per family.

Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) will process awarded scholarships by ordering and distributing approved purchases while offering technical support if needed.

Submit applications to moddc@moddcouncil.org by May 30, 2020. MODDC will notify applicants if funds are expended by that date. Those awarded scholarship funds will be contacted by MODDC and MoAT no later than June 30, 2020.

PPE Updates

In an effort to expand the PPE reserves and simplify the PPE process, the state has created a new COVID-19 webpage dedicated to be a one-stop shop for all information related to PPE. The PPE webpage will provide Missouri’s latest information and resources in three categories including how to access PPE, guidance for use and optimization for maintaining your PPE supply for the duration of the COVID-19 epidemic.

You can use this website to access the PPE marketplace, too.

Also, NEW to this website and to the state is the State PPE Reserves option.

Missouri has limited PPE reserves to assist in filling these critical needs and will prioritize healthcare providers providing direct care to confirmed or suspected COVID patients. Note requests should only be submitted after all normal supply chains, including the Missouri COVID Supply Solution (aka Missouri PPE Marketplace), have been exhausted and you have a supply of fourteen days or less on hand as the quantities and types of PPE available through the state are limited. Use this link https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/35c0d11050b04a809028d2caf9fd45fd?portalUrl=http://mophep.maps.arcgis.com to access the PPE Request Form. You will receive an automatically generated email notifying you of receipt of your request. Requests will be evaluated in the order in which they are received. If your request is approved, either in full or partially, you will receive an electronic notification upon shipment. If denied, you will receive an electronic verification of the decision.

 

PPE options for Non-profits and Governmental Entities

Because we know many of you continue to struggle with obtaining PPE items, we wanted to make sure you are aware that not-for-profit entities may purchase items from Missouri Vocational Enterprises (MVE). MVE operates through Missouri’s Department of Corrections and produces and sells a number of items. MVE may sell these items to any state agency, local government entities, or any not-for-profit agency.

MVE has a variety of janitorial supplies, personal products (soap, toilet tissue, etc.), laundry supplies, and disinfectant supplies. Most of these items can be found on the MVE website (https://docservices.mo.gov/mve/products/consumables/consumable.html). In addition, MVE has recently begun selling certain PPE items including cloth face coverings, isolation gowns, and hand sanitizer (gallon jugs). These items are not listed on their website at this time but information is attached or below. PPE items are being prioritized to state agencies but may also be purchased by local government and not-for-profit entities as supplies are available. For awareness, DMH has received cloth face coverings and hand sanitizer but have not yet received our order for isolation gowns. As with all PPE, some items are more readily available then others.

If you have a need for these items, we would encourage not-for-profit providers to explore all avenues to obtain needed items, including those available through MVE. You can visit their website to see items available and details for the ordering process. To order cloth face masks, isolation gowns, or sanitizer, you may need to call and speak with their customer service staff, they are very helpful – contact numbers can be found on the website. Again, only not-for-profit entities, state agencies, and local government entities may purchase items from MVE.

Finally, in regards to hand sanitizer, it is available in one gallon jugs only. The price per gallon is $20. Orders are limited to 100 gallons per order and no more than one order per week. The product number is F-617 Hand Sanitizer.

 

We hope this information is helpful to you. Thank you so much for all you do and are doing to provide care and services to our vulnerable populations.

Missouri PCR Testing Update for Providers

The Department of Health and Senior Services would like to notify Missouri health care providers of changes in guidance due to expanded COVID-19 testing availability within the state. The testing landscape has shifted significantly in the past eight weeks, and through partnerships with private laboratories, we encourage testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. DHSS does not need to approve testing when performed outside of the State Public Health Laboratory.

See the attachment or visit this link to read this full guidance: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/mo-pcr-testing-update-providers.pdf.

Serological Testing Quick Facts for Providers

  • There are multiple antibody tests for COVID-19 with variable performance.
  • At this time, it is not clear which antibody responses are protective or sustained.
  • Antibody tests should not be used as the sole test for diagnostic decisions.
  • Until more is known about protective immunity, serology results should not be used to make staffing decisions or decisions regarding the need for PPE.

See the attachment or visit this link to read this in full: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/serological-testing-quick-facts-providers.pdf.

CMS Memo: QSO-20-29-NH

Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes

  • CMS is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s healthcare facilities are prepared to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE).
  • On May 8, 2020, CMS will publish an interim final rule with comment period.
  • COVID-19 Reporting Requirements: CMS is requiring nursing homes to report COVID-19 facility data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to residents, their representatives, and families of residents in facilities.
  • Enforcement: Failure to report in accordance with 42 CFR §483.80(g) can result in an enforcement action.
  • Updated Survey Tools: CMS has updated the COVID-19 Focused Survey for Nursing Homes, Entrance Conference Worksheet, COVID-19 Focused Survey Protocol, and Summary of the COVID-19 Focused Survey for Nursing Homes to reflect COVID-19 reporting requirements.
  • COVID-19 Tags: F884 and F885.
  • Transparency: CMS will begin posting data from the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for viewing by facilities, stakeholders, or the general public. The COVID-19 public use file will be available on https://data.cms.gov/.

Please see the full details of the memo.

COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement

Below is a communication to providers around billing for COVID 19 testing. This includes information for billing Medicaid and for testing and treatment of the uninsured.  DHSS is working on guidance to assist homes in determining the best way to obtain facility-wide testing for their communities. Further guidance will be forthcoming.

Provider Communication – Billing for COVID 19 Testing

Visitor Restrictions and Non-Essential Services (Beauty Shop)

At this time, DHSS is continuing to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services related to restricting visitors in long term care homes. On 4/27/20, our Department Director, issued an order continuing the current restrictions on visitors in long term care homes. We know that these restrictions are incredibly hard on residents, families and friends- however- we have also seen the devastation that COVID-19 can quickly bring in a long term care home- both in small counties and large cities. https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/economic-reopening.pdf. We are closely monitoring the situation at state and federal levels. We are hopeful families and residents will soon be united face to face. Until then, we encourage you to assist family in communicating with their loved ones virtually, via FaceTime or Skype. Non-essential services, including beauty shop should also be restricted. DHSS has posted guidance for Community Integration for adults 65 and older and other high risk populations. These tools will assist you in helping individuals to reintegrate into the community, once the restrictions have been lifted.

State of Missouri COVID-19 Analytics Update

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) posted to the website on 5/5/2020 a presentation showing the multiple data points to inform Missouri’s COVID-19 response. Included in this data, but not limited to the below, is:

  • Hospitalized cases by region
  • Hospital and ICU bed availability by region
  • Cumulative and daily testing numbers
  • Positivity Rates and Positivity Rates by county
  • Cases and Cases per 100K by county
  • New case growth, including 7-day % case increase
  • Modeling of hospitalization rates

Here is the link to this data.
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/analytics-update.pdf.

 

First Phase of “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan and Economic Reopening Order

Goes into effect at 12:01 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2020
Statewide Stay-at-Home Order still applies until then.

We have received several questions regarding the impact the Economic Reopening Order has on long-term care communities. The order addresses long-term care communities, specifically in paragraph #3 of the order, which states, “In accordance with the guidelines from the President, the CDC, and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, people shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance or in end-of-life circumstances. Elderly or otherwise vulnerable populations should take enhanced precautionary measures to mitigate the risks of contracting COVID-19.”

The guidance below issued by the Department on March 13th and March 17th continues to be in place.
LTC Memo
LTC Leaving Facility

CMP Application Process for Communicative Technology

CMS has created a process to enable states to approve requests for communicative technology that meet CMS parameters. The parameters are detailed in the instructions portion of the application template (below). This template and process will reduce the amount of time for approval of CMP funds for technology that allows residents to engage in virtual social and telehealth visits as restrictions have been placed on visitors to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The application is for nursing homes certified to participate in Title 18 and Title 19 of the Social Security Act. We encourage companies that operate more than one home to complete one application for all certified homes to the extent possible. This will reduce the number of applications and will help expedite the approval process.

Applications should be submitted to slcr@health.mo.gov. Questions regarding the application process may be sent to this address as well.

Once an application is approved, SLCR will contact each applicant to explain the payment process.

COVID-19 Application Template Final
COVID-19 Application FAQ