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Friday, June 26, 2020 |
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This week’s report highlights the mounting evidence for the effectiveness of face coverings, information on how racism contributes to disproportionate COVID-19 impacts, and new resources and training opportunities for providers and patients. |
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Monitoring Trends |
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Key Observations this Week |
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Secretary Mandy Cohen announced this week that North Carolina is seeing an increase in all COVID-19 metrics, particularly among younger demographics and people of color. North Carolinians are now required to self quarantine for 14 days when traveling to New York and two other states because of concerns about community spread in our state.
One-day increase: New daily case counts continue to increase with near-record breaking numbers on June 19 (1,652) and June 24 (1,721) and a total of 58,818 lab-confirmed cases and 1,303 deaths as of June 26.
Hospitalizations: We had another record-breaking week with 915 hospitalizations on June 23, prompting infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci to warn that North Carolina risks an “insidious increase in community spread” that will be difficult to control if state and local leaders do not take action to blunt the surge. |
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NC Extends Phase 2, Mandates Face Coverings Statewide |
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Governor Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in Phase 2 until July 17 at the earliest. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places where social distancing is not possible and in businesses identified in Executive Order 147 that extends Phase 2. |
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Masked Superheroes May Be Key to Protecting WNC |
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As we reported last week, evidence is growing that face coverings are highly effective in reducing community spread of COVID-19. If your patients, clients, or community members need more convincing, we encourage you to share some or all of the resources below:
Yes, Wearing Masks Helps. Here’s Why, NPR Health Shots
Face Masks Greatly Reduce Risk of COVID-19, NBC Today Show
Masks as a Key Determinant of COVID-19 Spread, Forbes
Hairstylists with COVID-19 didn't infect any of their 140 clients. Face masks may be why, LiveScience
Community Use Of Face Masks And COVID-19, Health Affairs study on impact of state mandates |
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There is No Stopping COVID-19 Without Stopping Racism |
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The British Medical Journal recently published an opinion from faculty at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Global Health Institute that urges physicians and public health experts to take a firm stance against racism. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Black residents are less likely to have access to COVID-19 testing
- For Black people, wearing a face covering can increase the risk for racial profiling and violence
- Black people with COVID-19 are 3x more likely to need hospitalization
- Black patients are less likely to be put on a ventilator in under-resourced hospitals
- Predominantly Black counties account for 60% of COVID-19 deaths but represent only 22% of all US counties
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COVID-19 Practice Support Tip Sheets |
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For more practice support resources, please see MAHEC’s COVID-19 Regional Response Guidance.
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Library Guide: Best Practices for Testing and Patient Care |
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The MAHEC Practice Support Guide for COVID-19 contains a wealth of curated resources to support you and your practice/organization. This week, we are highlighting our COVID-19 Testing & Patient Care guide. In it, you’ll find guidance for healthcare providers regarding testing, screening, treatment, office cleaning, vaccinations, and more. |
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NEW Resources to Help You Serve Your Patients |
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Provider Resources
Health Inequities & Social Support
Patient Education
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NEW & Ongoing COVID-19 Virtual Trainings & Support |
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NC AHEC COVID-19 Webinars
Daily with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions and archived webinars
MAHEC Webinars on Resilience & Community Resources for COVID-19
Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 am
NCDHHS COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition
Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Click link above and select “add to distribution list” to receive weekly meeting invitations
Virtual Support Group for WNC Healthcare Workers
Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Free counseling and healing sessions, virtual support for healthcare providers and their families |
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Archives |
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June 19 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
June 12 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
June 5 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
May 29 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
May 22 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
May 15 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
May 8 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
May 1 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
April 24 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
April 17 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
April 10 WNC COVID-19 Regional Report
If you would like to receive this weekly report, please email Sam.Blankenship@mahec.net to be added to our distribution list. |
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Regional Response Partners |
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