Standing Together Against COVID-19
Essential updates for 02.11.21
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Updates from DPH:

Connecticut continues in Phase 1b of the state-wide COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. 

Currently Scheduling:

NEW! Check out these helpful scheduling resources with easy access to links and available locations.

Scheduling information coming likely in March:
  • Front line essential workers (view additional information here)
  • Those with an underlying medical condition with increased risk for severe illness
  • Individuals and staff in congregate settings (view additional information here)

For more information, visit the CT Vaccination Portal.
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
You and your patients can locate a vaccination site by zip code, click here or visit https://bit.ly/3cgNdGl.
Important Update on Data Sharing with Your Patients
HHS Extends Compliance Dates for Information Blocking and Health IT Certification Requirements in the 21st Century Cures Act Final Rule.

Through the 21st Century Cures Act, Congress defined information blocking and established penalties for those who engage in information blocking. In general, providers and entities (“actors”) can no longer engage in practices that interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information, unless an actor meets an exception established by the HHS Secretary.
 
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) subsequently announced extending the compliance dates and timeframes when patients must be provided access to health care information in electronic medical records to April 5, 2021. Click here to read the HHS press release. The Cures Act states that clinical notes are included in the information that must not be blocked.
 
For a comprehensive overview of these rules (which apply to health care providers, health information networks or health information exchanges, and health IT developers of certified IT), including the exceptions and FAQ containing common questions, please visit the OpenNotes website here. Click here to download MGMA’s Information Blocking Toolkit for Medical Groups. Please note that this MGMA resource is for educational purposes only. As always, please consult with your legal and financial advisors to find out how this applies to you.
Governor Lamont Terminates Civil Liability Immunity for Health Care Facilities
On February 8, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 10A, which terminates immunity from civil liability for health care facilities that had been previously granted as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency pursuant to Executive Order 7V.

The order does not terminate immunity provided to non-facility providers, including physicians. The order terminates immunity only for “health care facilities” (e.g., hospitals) as defined in the original Executive Order 7V.

Click here to read more information.
In the News
Read about the latest buzz surrounding COVID-19
  • Some patients are preemptively taking over-the-counter pain medications before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to stave off potential side effects, such as muscle aches or pains—but researchers warn that common painkillers may reduce the immune system's response to some vaccines. Click here to see what the evidence suggests. 

  • Researchers in a new study examined mobility data pulled from the cellphones of more than 10 million Americans, finding that some generations are far more mobile—and associated with many more coronavirus infections—than others. Click here to view what the charts reveal and which age groups are driving new coronavirus infections.
Weekly CDC and DPH Update
Please see today's summary from the CDC and DPH here. 
Information you may have missed:
Telemedicine
(Note: This excel sheet is a large file and updated regularly. It may be helpful to download and save the file to your desktop for quick access.)

*This document was last updated on February 4 , 2021.
COVID-19 resources and links