Special COVID-19 Edition | March 23, 2020
Coronavirus Crisis:
A message from the MOA President

These are extraordinary times requiring extraordinary efforts. As President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, I would like to thank the physicians, healthcare providers, hospital staffs and local health department officials for their ongoing efforts in combating the COVID-19 virus. We acknowledge that in addition to the strain healthcare providers face in treating patients and preventing the spread of COVID-19, there are shortages in supplies including protective gear. 
 
Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a series of executive orders addressing the efforts to lessen the effects of COVID-19. From eliminating load limits for deliveries of medical supplies to issuing the “ Stay Home, Stay Safe ” executive order (3/23/20), these actions are designed to slow the spread of the virus and give our hospitals and providers the tools they need to do their job and reduce the number of patients who will require treatment. 
 
While our hospital administrators, our governor and our state legislators work on increasing the access to the supplies needed, I urge everyone to take precautions to stop the spread of the virus. Stay calm. Follow the “stay home, stay safe” directive. Limit your contact with others. And follow the CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of a virus. 
 
The MOA is participating in a wide variety of meetings with numerous collaboratives and government agencies. Our website,  domoa.org , and social media platforms will continue to share updates and provide resources on the coronavirus. If you have an idea of how we can do more, please contact us via the link on our website. We are proud of the efforts our DO’s are making and thankful for the amazing work being accomplished by healthcare providers across the nation.”
 
- Craig Glines, DO, MSBA, FACOOG
President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association
Remote Meeting platform for Component Societies

The COVID-19 situation has cancelled many meetings across the country. Many groups are using teleconferencing tools to stay connected to their members. In order to help our components, the Michigan Osteopathic Association is offering all Michigan state component societies the use of the MOA Zoom account to facilitate teleconference meetings. The meetings can be audio only, or allow for video from the presenters and attendees.

For more information, contact:
Todd Ross | 517/347-1555 | tross@domoa.org
Testing Patients

If you have a patient that needs to be tested contact the local health department of the patient's county of residence before testing. Healthcare providers also have the ability to request testing from a commercial laboratory. For a list of Michigan local Health Departments use the link below.
Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order

March 23, 2020— To combat the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, Governor Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. For at least the next three weeks, all Michigan businesses and operations must temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, and all Michiganders must stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.

YOU CAN:
• Go to the grocery store or pick up take-out food.
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up a needed prescription.
• Engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, biking.
• Go to the hospital or secure any care necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve your health or the health of a loved one.
• Fill your car with gas.
• Return to Michigan to a home or place of residence from outside the State.
• Leave the State for a home or residence elsewhere.
• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian for needed medical care.

YOU MAY NOT:
• Leave the home to work unless your employer designates you as a critical infrastructure worker.
• Participate in any public gatherings.
• Visit someone in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facilities (with limited exceptions).
• Go to the mall or to restaurants.

Resources for COVID-19

As information on the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) from around the world is shared, the MOA is aggregating data, announcements and changes in requirements. The MOA participates in daily meetings to study updates to the situation in Michigan and stay informed on how other states are responding to the outbreak of COVID-19. The MOA will share updates and announcements from various health organizations and state agencies and post on: www.domoa.org/covid-19

COVID-19 HOTLINES
MDHHS COVID-19 Emergency Lab Network Hotline: 888-277-9894  
Clinicians should call this number to have the patient’s symptoms and risk factors assessed against the prioritization criteria. If the patient meets criteria, MDHHS will provide instructions for obtaining laboratory testing.

MDHHS Coronavirus COVID-19 Information Hotline:  888-535-6136  
(7 days a week, 8am- 5pm)
For general information on COVID-19 and how the state is working to lessen the risks and limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Centers for Disease Control:  800-232-4636
For general information on COVID-19 on a national and worldwide level. 
GRASSROOTS ACTION
Tell Congress to Protect Physicians and Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Protecting the interests of the osteopathic profession and the patients you serve is of the utmost importance to the AOA. We know you are on the front lines combatting this pandemic and saving lives. As Congress attempts to craft legislation addressing Coronavirus (COVID-19), lawmakers need to hear from you on how COVID-19 is impacting your ability to care for your patients.
 
As COVID-19 continues to spread, osteopathic medical students, postdoctoral trainees and physicians across the nation are experiencing a host of challenges that impact their practice and the patients they serve:

  • Shortages in medical supplies such as surgical masks and personal protective equipment;
  • Limited guidance on safety and treatment protocols, as well as information on the availability of COVID-19 testing and changing telehealth rules;
  • Potential liability exposure for physicians who want to help by providing care to patients out-of-state; and
  • Impending funding deadlines for critical programs such as the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, that help strengthen our public health system and ensure that patients in rural and underserved areas are able to access timely medical care.
Send your lawmakers a letter and provide them with a clear picture of what's happening on the ground and the gaps in coverage or resources that need to be filled.
Michigan Osteopathic Association | 517/347-1555 | www.domoa.org