COVID-19 Resources

Dear Colleagues,

I hope that you are all doing well and are safe. I wanted to share some resources that we are tracking and find useful in the U.S.:

Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) offers this public dashboard of worldwide confirmed cases, recoveries and deaths aggregating WHO, CDC, ECDC, NHC and DXY data in real time. This source is unique, not only because of the currency and quality of the confirmed case data, but also because it provides comprehensive global surveillance summaries. This includes city level points in the United States:

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this situational summary page for travelers and interim guidance for laboratories and healthcare professionals. The explainers at the link below provides travelers a broad overview of symptoms, testing and what is known about the virus. In my opinion, the FAQs at the second link are most helpful for travelers:

Healthmap uses AI to comb social media and news sites for coverage of the virus. Please note that unlike the dashboard above, healthmap is not sourcing confirmed case data from public health agencies. This heatmap may include press coverage for suspected cases and health security measures implemented abroad, not confirmed cases.

The American Medical Association publishes the eNewsletter, “Morning Rounds” which highlights press coverage “distilled from more than 3,000 major newspapers, magazines and journals.” Recently, this has included coronavirus coverage. Unlike other AMA newsletters, this is accessible to non-members. Individuals can sign up here. Similarly, the American Hospital Association monitors WHO, CDC, WHO and State updates for senior hospital officials here. WHO PPE shortages are a growing concern, including face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) abroad

The World Health Organization website offers situation reports and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Best wishes to all.

Brian

Charlotte Sisson

Here are some additional resources that you may also find helpful to manage treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic:

For Patients:

The current number of global cases of COVID-19 is being tracked by the World Health Organization. The Johns Hopkins University also has an interactive map of global cases.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has issued a Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak document. This document includes a section on what to expect mentally from social distancing as well as best-practices. Some best-practices include educating yourself, working with employers to reduce financial stress, talking to medical professionals, and connecting with others.
A pandemic causes a variety of psychological stresses on all members of our communities, but these issues may be particularly acute in patients with SUD. These added stresses may drive patients to use substances. Patients with preexisting conditions should:
- Ensure they have access to their medications (up to 2 weeks if possible)
- Activate their social networks for social support and assistance with their health or other issues (via phone or other digital methods if possible)
- Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible, or create new ones. This could include exercising, cleaning, daily chores, singing, painting, or helping others.

For Healthcare Providers:

Because SUD treatment professionals may be the primary point of contact with the health system for some patients these professions should be ready and able to talk with patients about COVID-19 and its associated risks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides best-practices on avoiding contamination during meetings. The guidance is targeted towards companies, but would also apply for community gatherings and group therapy sessions.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health is encouraging healthcare researchers to begin performing additional surveillance to better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with SUD.
Stigma negatively impacts patients with SUD, but also patients who are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. This document provides tips for minimizing stigma related to COVID-19.

For Healthcare Systems Administrators:

The Disaster Planning Handbook for Behavioral Health Treatment Programs from SAMHSA provides guidance on ensuring treatment for substance use disorders during a crisis. The most relevant chapters are chapters 4, 5, and 6. These chapters cover continuity of care, management of prescriptions and also some sample policies for pandemics specifically.
SAMHSA has also issued a sample set of Frequently Asked Questions to apply to Opioid Treatment Programs about COVID-19. These best-practices provide guidance on how to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on a treatment program, or can be used as a guide to structure your facility’s own procedures.

Coronavirus Support Network