DHSS has received notification of an application error impacting NHSN COVID-19 data for the period of December 26-31, 2020. Steps for a work around are below.
Category: COVID
Submission Deadline for SNF COVID-19 Related Expenses – Extended through 12/30/20
The submission deadline for SNF “other” necessary COVID 19 related expenditure invoices has been extended through 12/30/2020. There has been no change testing invoices – the deadline for all facility types to send testing invoices to the state is still 12/30/2020.
Beginning December 18, 2020, the following will appear on the main web application page:
Important update: Please read!
All long term care facilities (SNF, RCF, ALF, ICF) have until 12/30 to submit “testing” invoices.
Skilled Nursing Facilities may resume submitting “other” necessary COVID-19 related expenditures until 12/30.
If you represent a SNF and you already submitted items that were not approved because you were over your allocated cost cap, please do not resubmit those items. Those are being re-reviewed at this time. Only submit new expenses since 12/01 and/or items not previously submitted.
In order to process all LTC invoices in a timely fashion and meet deadlines, it is imperative that facilities submit complete invoices with all the required information and documentation. This includes:
-
- The federal tax ID number
- Invoice to the State with a unique invoice number not already used
- Invoice/bill from the vendor who provided services/supplies
- Full address of the facility
- Signatures on all forms requiring signature
- Detailed explanation of how the expenditure is COVID-related
- Signed attestation if one has not already been uploaded to the State
If required documentation is not submitted, your invoice may not be approved.
Free COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Community testing events serve the residents of Missouri. DHSS is partnering with the Missouri Community Health Centers and MAKO Medical Laboratories to offer these free testing events. There is no eligibility other than to have a Missouri address. If you do not see any community testing events in your area, you can continue to check back with this page as new sites will be added as events are planned.
The test is a PCR test done by an anterior nares or midnasal swab to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This is not an antigen or antibody test.
Registration Strongly Recommended:
Please register for an event by clicking on the registration link associated with each event. If you need assistance, you may call 919-351-MAKO (6256). Please double-check the spelling of your name and your date of birth. This information must be exactly correct to receive your results. Upon completing the registration, you will receive an email with your QR Code and booking ID number. Show this QR Code and booking ID number to the site attendant in order to proceed with your test.
Please allow at least 30 minutes for completion of testing upon arrival to the testing site. Delays may occur in the event of inclement weather. Walk-ins to the event without prior registration cannot be guaranteed a test.
|
Date |
Times |
City |
County |
Location |
|
December 23, 2020 |
9AM – 6PM |
Kansas city |
Clay County |
Worlds of Fun |
|
December 28, 2020 |
9AM – Noon |
St. Louis |
St. Louis County |
CareSTL |
|
December 29, 2020 |
Noon – 3PM |
St. Louis |
St. Louis County |
Affinia |
|
December 30, 2020 |
9AM – 6PM |
Kansas city |
Clay County |
Worlds of Fun |
|
December 31, 2020 |
11AM – 2PM |
St. Louis |
St. Louis County |
Affinia |
|
January 4, 2021 |
10AM – 4PM |
Potosi |
Washington |
Great Mines Health Center |
|
January 5, 2021 |
10AM – 4PM |
Farmington |
St. Francois |
Christian Life Church |
|
January 5, 2021 |
1PM – 6PM |
Warsaw |
Benton |
Katy Trail Clinic |
|
January 6, 2021 |
1PM – 6PM |
Camdenton |
Camden |
Central Ozarks Medical Center |
|
January 7, 2021 |
1PM – 7PM |
Warrensburg |
Johnson |
Johnson County Fairgrounds |
|
January 13, 2021 |
11AM-2PM |
Kimberling City |
Stone |
First Baptist Church |
|
January 14, 2021 |
9AM – 5PM |
Hermitage |
Hickory |
Ozarks Community Health Center |
More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
CDC COCA Call: Making Practical Decisions for Crisis Standards of Care at the Bedside During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date: Thursday, December 17, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (ET)
A few minutes before the webinar starts, please click on the Zoom link below to join:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613403966
Healthcare operations and healthcare services delivery change due to scarcity of required resources under pervasive (e.g., pandemic influence, COVID-19) and catastrophic disaster (e.g., earthquake, hurricane) conditions. The standards of care proposed under these unique and challenging conditions must be a reasonable approach to healthcare service delivery that merges public health, ethical, and medical care demands.
During this COCA Call, experts from Hennepin Healthcare and Bellevue Hospital will present background on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) framework, Guidance for Establishing Crisis Standards of Care for Use in Disaster Situations (IOM, 2009), and identify how Crisis Standards of Care apply to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters will also highlight systems-level information sharing and coalition-level coordination activities to help clinicians plan for these potential situations and make medical decision during a crisis.
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.
Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM CVS AND WALGREENS
For those communities that chose CVS or Walgreens for the Federal Pharmacy Partnership for COVID-19 Vaccine Program, CVS and Walgreens have started communicating with communities about the program. The information from both pharmacies can be found below. It is imperative that you follow the guidance and direction from CVS or Walgreens when your community receives this information. This will be key to your vaccination clinics running smoothly.
Walgreens COVID19 Vaccine – What To Expect Guide
Walgreens Facility Tip Sheet
Walgreens LTCF Welcome Email Body
If you have not been contacted, communication will likely continue over the next week. If your facility DID indicate CVS or Walgreens but have not heard from them yet, they you should go to the CVS or Walgreens website and fill out the contact information for your facility. CVS and Walgreens are still working through contacting all the communities assigned to them.
- CVS website: www.omnicare.com/covid-19-vaccine-resource
- Walgreens website: www.walgreens.com/covidvaccine
Please make sure the point of contact listed when you registered for the vaccine program is aware the call and/or email from the pharmacies will be coming. Also, please continue to check your junk or spam folders if you have not been contacted by a pharmacy.
Information regarding this program is developing rapidly. Please watch for further messages as information is available.
First Responder Provider Network
The Missouri First Responder Provider Network, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health and Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare, can provide free behavioral health services for healthcare professionals who have been impacted by COVID-19.
See the flyer for more information.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The website below contains useful facts about the vaccine that may be shared with residents, families and staff.
Infection Control Assessment and Response Project
INFECTION CONTROL ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE PROJECT: A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES AND THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR MISSOURI NURSING HOMES
The Quality Improvement Program for Missouri’s Nursing Homes (QIPMO) is partnering with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in response to the novel Coronavirus known as COVID-19. In doing so, QIPMO has formed a new Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) team with a primary goal of assisting Missouri Long-Term Care Facilities to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.
See the New Release for more information.
Free COVID-19 Testing Opportunities Available Throughout Missouri
The State of Missouri continues to host community testing events throughout the state each week.
Missourians can register for these events currently scheduled at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.
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. Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual.
|
County |
Location |
City |
Dates |
Times |
|
Greene |
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds |
Springfield |
December 3-4 |
Dec. 3: 9AM – 7PM |
|
Gentry |
Stanberry City Hall |
Stanberry |
December 4 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Jasper |
Ozark Christian College |
Joplin |
December 5 |
10AM – 4PM |
|
Buchanan |
Aquatic Center |
St. Joseph |
December 5 |
8AM – 4PM |
|
Webster |
Webster County Fairgrounds |
Marshfield |
December 7 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Adair |
NEMO Fairgrounds 4-H FFA Building |
Kirksville |
December 7 |
8AM – 3PM |
|
Henry |
Henry County Fairgrounds |
Clinton |
December 8 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Clark |
Kahoka Christian Church |
Kahoka |
December 8 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Cooper |
Cooper County Fairgrounds |
Boonville |
December 9 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Pike |
Pike County Fairgrounds |
Bowling Green |
December 9 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Cole |
American Legion |
Jefferson City |
December 10 |
10AM – 6PM |
|
St. Charles |
The Family Arena |
St. Charles |
December 10-11 |
Dec. 10: 10AM – 4PM |
|
Warren |
Warren County Fairgrounds |
Warrenton |
December 11 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Jefferson |
Hillsboro Civic Club |
Hillsboro |
December 12 |
9AM – 3PM |
|
Perry |
Perryville City Park |
Perryville |
December 12 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Ozark |
Gainesville Saddle Club |
Gainesville |
December 14 |
10AM – 2PM |
|
Platte |
Platte County Resource Center |
Kansas City |
December 14-15 |
Dec. 14: 12PM – 6PM |
|
McDonald |
First Baptist Church |
Anderson |
December 15 |
12PM – 5PM |
|
Register for testing at: |
||||
Surge Testing
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing that will continue each week in the following:
Columbia (Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Branson (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
St. Louis (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cape Girardeau (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Lee’s Summit (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Testing at these locations is available to individuals 5 years and older – including those experiencing symptoms; those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 coronavirus; and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.
Testing is expected to continue at the following locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.
More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
COVID-19 Reporting
As testing in long-term care (LTC) facilities has expanded with the addition of point-of-care testing kits in recent months, the state has likewise expanded the avenues through which data is collected. Given the additional modes of entry for COVID-19 data, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services wants to offer clear guidelines for facilities so they can correctly and accurately submit data regarding their residents and staff.
Please see the Reporting Memo for long-term care facilities, adult day care programs, and ICF-IIDs.
COVID-19 LTC Bed Availability Portal
Reminder: After submitting your initial survey, you should have received a confirmation email which provided you a link to update your survey each day (instead of submitting a new survey). Multiple surveys for your facility show up twice on the map with different bed numbers. This makes it difficult to know which totals are current. Please use the link emailed to you after your initial submission to edit your facility bed availability. Please do not submit an “initial” submission more than once.
The healthcare continuum is increasingly becoming strained with the number of positive cases across the state. This portal has been established to improve communication across the care continuum to assist in ensuring Missourians have access to the right care in the right setting. We are asking all long-term care communities to complete this brief survey each day by 9:00 AM beginning Wednesday, November 25th in order to identify available beds for potential admissions. Participation in the bed availability survey is voluntary. The survey may be accessed at https://arcg.is/1rjKy8. Once the initial submission is completed, each submitter will receive a link in order to update the bed availability information. If information does not change from day to day, the submitter can simply update the date and submit – the prior day’s information will populate.
The survey information will populate an accompanying dashboard that will be available to hospitals to use as a tool in finding placement for those patients who would be best served in a long-term care setting. This dashboard may be accessed at https://mophep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/f1e0745f93fe46b482d8ff4585f821bf.
To view instructions on utilizing the dashboard, click on ‘Instructions’ under the map for information.
AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home Covid-19 Action Network
Missouri Nursing Homes-
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to earn $6,000 for your organization, while gaining practical, useful information, skills, and resources regarding Covid-19 in nursing homes. Join the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network, and connect with both specialists and peers to ask and answer immediate challenges your organization is facing during this challenging time.
Key Points:
- Three cohorts of 35-40 organizations will be offered. You will select your preferred time slot upon registering your organization:
- Session times will be:
- Wednesdays- 1:30-3:00pm
- Thursdays- 9:30-11:00am
- Fridays- 1:00-2:00pm
- Sessions will be closed once they reach 40 organizations.
- Session times will be:
- Sessions are currently in process – Register Now!!
- Sessions are 90 minutes, once a week, for 16 weeks (we will take the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s off).
- You may have up to 4 staff members register for the ECHO.
- Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes are eligible for $6000 in compensation.
- Must complete attached documentation by the 4th session of the program.
- Must have at least two staff members attend 13 out of the 16 sessions.
Register your organization at: https://app.hatchbuck.com/OnlineForm/2992654253.
Contact Lindsey Beckmann at beckmannli@health.missouri.edu with any questions.
COVID-19 LTC Bed Availability Portal
The healthcare continuum is increasingly becoming strained with the number of positive cases across the state. This portal has been established to improve communication across the care continuum to assist in ensuring Missourians have access to the right care in the right setting. We are asking all long-term care communities to complete this brief survey each day by 9:00 AM beginning Wednesday, November 25th in order to identify available beds for potential admissions. Participation in the bed availability survey is voluntary. The survey may be accessed at https://arcg.is/1rjKy8. Once the initial submission is completed, each submitter will receive a link in order to update the bed availability information. If information does not change from day to day, the submitter can simply update the date and submit – the prior day’s information will populate.
The survey information will populate an accompanying dashboard that will be available to hospitals to use as a tool in finding placement for those patients who would be best served in a long-term care setting. This dashboard may be accessed at https://mophep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/f1e0745f93fe46b482d8ff4585f821bf.
To view instructions on utilizing the dashboard, click on ‘Instructions’ under the map for information.
HCBS COVID-19 Relief Funds Reimbursement COVID-19 Testing Expenditures – UPDATED
DSDS has announced to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) staff and stakeholders that a memorandum has been issued regarding an extension to the submission deadline for the COVID-19 Relief Funds (CRF) reimbursement.
Please refer to INFO 11-20-03 at the link provided below.
https://health.mo.gov/seniors/hcbs/infomemos.php
Any questions regarding this memorandum should be directed to Long Term Services and Supports via email at LTSS@health.mo.gov.
CDC Guidance and Updates
The CDC has issued the following guidance:
Testing and Management Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Illness Symptoms when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-circulating
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-management-considerations-nursinghomes.htm
- This guidance summarizes practices that should be considered when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses are found to be co-circulating based upon local public health surveillance data and testing at local healthcare facilities. While these considerations are specific to care of residents residing in nursing homes, some practices could be adapted for use in other long-term care settings (e.g. assisted living facilities).
The following COVID Healthcare IPC guidance has been updated:
- Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing
- This update includes minor revisions to the FAQ section.
Free COVID-19 testing opportunities available throughout Missouri
The State of Missouri continues to host community testing events throughout the state each week.
Missourians can register for these events currently scheduled at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.
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. Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual.
|
County |
Location |
City |
Dates |
Times |
|
Madison |
Cherokee Pass Volunteer Fire Department |
Fredericktown |
November 21 |
11AM – 3PM |
|
Montgomery |
Old Settlers Picnic Grounds |
New Florence |
November 21 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Howell |
Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center |
West Plains |
November 30 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Saline |
Saline County Health Department |
Marshall |
November 30 |
9AM – 5PM |
|
Crawford |
Cuba Knights of Columbus Hall |
Cuba |
December 1 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Clay |
First United Methodist Church |
Kearney |
December 1 |
10AM – 6PM |
|
Platte |
Platte County Resource Center |
Kansas City |
December 2 |
10AM – 6PM |
|
Greene |
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds |
Springfield |
December 3-4 |
Dec. 3: 9AM – 7PM |
|
Gentry |
Stanberry City Hall |
Stanberry |
December 4 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Jasper |
Ozark Christian College |
Joplin |
December 5 |
10AM – 4PM |
|
Buchanan |
Aquatic Center |
St. Joseph |
December 5 |
8AM – 4PM |
|
Register for testing at: |
||||
Surge Testing
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing that will continue each week in the following:
Columbia (Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Branson (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
St. Louis (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cape Girardeau (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Lee’s Summit (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Testing at these locations is available to individuals 5 years and older – including those experiencing symptoms; those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 coronavirus; and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.
Testing is expected to continue at the following locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.
More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
DHSS Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities during the Holidays and CMS Holiday Leave Alert
Please see below DHSS and CMS guidance to long-term care communities, families and residents during the holiday season.
DHSS- LTCF Holiday Guidance 11-18-2020
CMS Holiday Leave Alert
Guidance for Long Term Care Facilities and Beauty/Barber Shop Services for Residents
DHSS has issued guidance for facilities to utilize in making decisions about resuming beauty/barber shop services. Please see memo for details.
Point of Care Antigen Reporting
Effective Friday, November 13, 2020, Long-Term Care Facilities (SNF, ICF, ALF and RCF) that are reporting point of care antigen testing results into the NHSN portal, no longer need to duplicate that reporting via the DHSS secured file transfer.
At this time, DHSS asks that long-term care facilities report all positive staff and resident results, for POC and PCR testing, via the Electronic COVID-19 Case Reporting portal to ensure timely notification to DRL and DCPH for outbreak assistance.
DHSS is working on comprehensive guidance for all long-term care communities related to reporting requirements. If you have any questions related to this, please contact tracy.niekamp@health.mo.gov.
COVID 19 Status Update
The White House Task Force Report for the week ending November 8 indicates Missouri remains in the red zone for new cases. Missouri continues to experience high levels of community transmission and our test positivity continues to set new records, currently above 15%. The attached table details the specific data elements and their thresholds to determine the state/county categories.
Cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities continue to increase in Missouri and nationwide. As cold weather settles in and individuals continue to gather-many indoors, without masks or proper social distancing – Missouri and the nation is experiencing an exponential increase in new cases. Per the White House Task Force, all communities, experiencing high volumes of new cases and high test positivity rate (such as Missouri) should take the following actions:
- Do not gather without a mask with individuals living outside of your household.
- Always wear a mask in public places.
- Stop all gatherings beyond immediate household until cases and test positivity decrease significantly.
Based on this methodology, for the week ending November 8th:
- Missouri remains in the red zone for new cases, meaning Missouri reported more than 101 new cases per 100,000 population for the week ending November 8th.
- Missouri had the 16th highest rate of new cases per 100,000 population in the US with 345 new cases per 100,000 population last week. The US rate was 209 cases per 100,000 population.
- This data is significantly worse than our prior ranking and new case rate reported last week (ranked 19th with 257 new cases per 100,000 population).
- Louis County, Jackson County, and St. Charles County had the highest total cases for Missouri over the last three weeks representing 32% of new cases in Missouri.
- 96% of all counties in Missouri have high to moderate levels of community transmission (red, orange, or yellow zone) up from 91% the prior period.
- 86% of Missouri counties have high levels of community transmission (red zone)—up from 76% reported the prior period.
- Missouri remains in the red zone for test positivity with a rate of 16.9%, up significantly from 13.3% the prior period.
- Missouri has the 8th highest test positivity rate in the US. The national positivity rate was 8.4%–up from the 6.7% reported the prior period.
- To be in the green zone with controlled community spread, Missouri would need a test positivity rate of less than 5%.
- Missouri remains in the red zone for deaths for the week ending November 8th. Missouri reported 207 deaths during this timeframe and a rate of 3.4 per 100,000 population. This is down from the prior period – 232 deaths and a rate of 3.8 per 100,000 population.
- Hospitalizations continue to be a concern in Missouri and increased significantly from the prior period. Hospital capacity is a real concern. Between October 31- Nov 6, on average 232 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 225 patients with suspected COVID-19 were reported as newly admitted each day to Missouri hospitals (prior period was 182 confirmed and 217 suspected).
- On average, more than 95% of Missouri hospitals reported either confirmed or suspected patients admitted each day during this period.
- Missouri had the 16th highest rate of new cases per 100,000 population in the US with 345 new cases per 100,000 population last week. The US rate was 209 cases per 100,000 population.
High community transmission of COVID-19 continues to be observed in every region in the state with 26 metro areas and 99 counties falling in the red zone for new cases over the last three weeks (listed below, sorted by the number of new cases in the last three weeks, from highest to lowest)—up from 23 metros and 87counties the prior period. Please note, localities with fewer than 10 cases in the last week have been excluded.
High levels of community transmission are especially prevalent in smaller urban counties and rural counties in Missouri. Given the severity of COVID-19 throughout Missouri, we strongly encourage all Missourians and all essential businesses to wear masks, practice social distancing, increase hand washing, seek testing when needed, stay home if ill and comply with quarantine protocols as appropriate. With the unrelenting spread and increase in hospitalizations, individuals should also avoid gatherings with people outside of their household – especially during the holiday season. These steps are crucial to stopping the spread of COVID-19 within our communities.
All Missourians and businesses, but especially those in locations listed above, are strongly encouraged to practice the following:
- Wear a mask if you will be in public.
- CDC recommends wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance from others.
- Practice social distancing at home.
- Limit trips to stores and avoid dining in at restaurants. Avoid large gatherings (including holiday celebrations), even those with family that do not live in your home.
- Practice social distancing at work.
- Remain six feet away from individuals as much as possible. Do not congregate in groups for meetings, lunches, breaks, or after work.
- Practice good hand hygiene frequently.
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
- Increase efforts to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- Wipe down door handles, phones, remotes, etc. with regular household cleaner.
- Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and be alert for symptoms in yourself, family and friends.
- Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell, chills, headache, fatigue, etc.
- If you or someone in your family are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should stay home and contact a healthcare provider regarding testing or medical care.
Recommended Measures to Limit False Positive Results with COVID-19
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has issued a health update notification to Missouri clinicians, physicians, laboratories, congregate care facilities, and k-12 schools regarding the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions when using antigen tests for COVID-19.
Recommended Measures to Limit False Positive Results with COVID-19 Antigen Tests
AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network
Project ECHO is actively recruiting nursing homes around the country to join an interactive community of practice to advance improvements in COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control.
Supported by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network is open to any Medicare or Medicaid-certified nursing home across the country at no cost.
The program matches nursing homes with local hospitals, QIOs and professional associations, who conduct weekly hour-long interactive learning and problem-solving sessions with the nursing homes over a four-month period. The mentor organizations also provide on-demand technical assistance to nursing homes in their cohort. Nursing homes receive a $6000 honorarium for participation in the program.
Please see the documents below for more info. Additional information may be found at AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network.
Nursing Home HLAN FAQ
Nursing Home HLAN Info
For questions, or a list of mentor sites, please email: ECHOnursinghomes@salud.unm.edu.
Free COVID-19 testing opportunities available throughout Missouri
The State of Missouri continues to host community testing events throughout the state each week.
Missourians can register for these events currently scheduled at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.
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. Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual.
|
County |
Location |
City |
Dates |
Times |
|
Dunklin |
Dunklin County Health Department |
Kennett |
November 14 |
9AM – 1PM |
|
St. Louis County |
Edger M. Queeny Park |
St. Louis |
November 17 |
8AM – 5PM |
|
Callaway |
54 Country |
Fulton |
November 17 |
10AM – 6PM |
|
St. Louis County |
Hazelwood Community Center |
Hazelwood |
November 18 |
8AM – 5PM |
|
Marion |
Hannibal Inn & Conference Center |
Hannibal |
November 18 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
St. Louis County |
Kennedy Recreation Center |
St. Louis |
November 19 |
8AM – 3PM |
|
Butler |
Whitely Park |
Poplar Bluff |
November 20 |
12PM – 6PM |
|
Pettis |
MO State Fairgrounds Sheep Barn |
Sedalia |
November 20 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Madison |
Cherokee Pass Volunteer Fire Department |
Fredericktown |
November 21 |
11AM – 3PM |
|
Montgomery |
Old Settlers Picnic Grounds |
New Florence |
November 21 |
11AM – 5PM |
|
Register for testing at: |
||||
Surge Testing
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing that will continue each week in the following:
Columbia (Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Branson (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
St. Louis (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cape Girardeau (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Lee’s Summit (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Testing at these locations is available to individuals 5 years and older – including those experiencing symptoms; those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 coronavirus; and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.
Testing is expected to continue at the following locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.
More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
Conversations with Carmen
November 20, 2020: CHOICE: New Ideas to Enhance Resident Life in Tough Times
Guest: Linda Bump, MPH, RD, with Host Carmen Bowman
As we all struggle to get through these tough days, we each turn to things that give us comfort – in all areas of our lives. We relive great memories, try to maintain rituals that have meaning to us, and of course, food is always on the list. That’s what “comfort food” is all about, and it’s different for each person. All of this is just as true for your residents. The simple approach of knowing specifically what brings daily pleasure to each resident and honoring true choice for them can brighten their day – and brightening our residents’ lives is what brightens every committed caregiver’s day, too.
Perhaps the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting isolation has awakened in us something primal and universal: a deep interest in food. We see it everywhere. The explosion of cooking and culinary shows on television, Netflix and the internet, food blogs, recipe and cooking sites… We can bring that interest in food into our communities. Food is fascinating, so let’s find ways for residents to experience the food conversations happening everywhere, and perhaps add some new flavor to their days.
Outbreak Testing Data Reporting Changes
Effective Friday, November 6, 2020, Long Term Care Facilities no longer need to submit the “Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 Testing Spreadsheets” to record outbreak testing via the Redcap portal. Rather than submitting individual resident and staff data to the Section for Long-Term Care Regulation, LTCF will use the same portal (the title will change to Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 Outbreak Testing Data Reporting) to report basic data elements for each testing cycle to include:
- Facility identifying data
- Date outbreak testing occurred
- # of residents tested
- # of staff tested
For questions regarding outbreak testing and reporting, please contact your SLCR regional office https://health.mo.gov/seniors/nursinghomes/pdf/LongTermCareRegions.pdf or tracy.niekamp@health.mo.gov.