COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency - Updates
Dear Members,
We are now ending week four, after a public health emergency was officially declared in Virginia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 12th there were 71 cases, today the Virginia Department of Health, reports a total of 4,042 cases with 685 hospitalizations and 109 deaths. Despite the social distancing and stay home orders, positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, specially in Northern Virginia with Fairfax County, rapidly becoming a hot spot for contagion.
MSNVA is advocating for common sense policies to shield community physicians from liability exposure, pushing economic relief, public testing capacity, finding PPE resources and providing up to date information on all the waivers that are now in place to protect small business and frontline responders. Here is a recap of all the different moving parts at the local, state and federal levels.
In Northern Virginia:
Since 3.18.20 Virginia Hospital Center has been offering COVID-19 testing to Arlington County residents who meet the CDC screening criteria for COVID-19.
According to a sent to MSNVA by Dr. Norman Oliver, Virginia State Health Commissioner, testing is now available through all Northern Virginia county health departments and Inova and HCA hospitals with a physician's referral. Additionally, there are a few test sampling sites at independent practices. Please visit MSNVA's COVID-19 page for a complete list of testing sites for patient referral.
The Virginia Department of Taxation is extending the due date of payment of Virginia individuals and corporate income taxes. While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020.
Electric, gas and water utilities service disconnections are suspended for 60 days.
Federal Relief Response:
There are several programs in place now, that independent practices qualify to apply:
The Payroll Protection Payment Loan (PPP) - Any small business from any industry is eligible to apply for this loan through their existing banking relations. Loans will be calculated based on 6 weeks of payroll times 2.5, including expenses for payroll to employees and/or consultants, mortgage/rent, utilities, interest on existing loans. This is loan is forgivable if used as indicated.
The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - Will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, doesn't need to be paid back, even if not approved.
The HHS Public Health and Social Emergency Fund (PHSSEF) - Distribution details are not out yet but all physicians impacted by COVID-19 are eligible. Amount of this grant will be based on 1 month's practice revenue to each NPI.
Telemedicine reimbursement:
A comprehensive guidance from private payers can be found at The Association of Health Insurance Plans has a great recap of telemedicine coverage for all health plans.
The MSNVA staff is pleased to report that our PPE drive efforts have resulted in donations of 900 N95s and 100 face shields. Donated PPE was distributed to practices that completed the survey, prioritizing PCPs, specifically those practices administering COVID-19 testing.
We are still actively seeking donations and are waiting for the state and the Fairfax health department to allocate PPE to community physicians through MSNVA, regardless of their membership status. We encourage you to please complete and share our survey with your colleagues.
