NCTracks
A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid Provider Update: NC Medicaid COVID-19
“Provider Update” is a regular communication to Medicaid and NC Health Choice providers to help keep them informed of statewide COVID-19 announcements and information. Please look for future updates to arrive through NCTracks.
This issue of Provider Update contains the following latest information on North Carolina’s COVID-19 response:
- NCDHHS Updates Guidance on Who Should be Tested for COVID-19
- North Carolina Working with Local Manufacturers to Make Critical Supplies
- New Public Service Announcement (PSA) on the Ws
- North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 Indicators Remain Stable
- Make Sure Water Systems are Safe before Reopening
- Guidance for Overnight Camps Now Available
- Governor Signs Executive Order to Provide Regulatory Flexibility for Health Care System During Response to COVID-19
NCDHHS Updates Guidance on Who Should be Tested for COVID-19
There is updated guidance on who should be tested for COVID-19. The new guidance recommends that clinicians test any patient in whom COVID-19 is suspected and ensure the following populations have access to testing, regardless of symptoms:
- Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
- Close contacts of known positive cases, regardless of symptoms
- Persons who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings (e.g., long-term care facility, homeless shelter, correctional facility, migrant farmworker camp)
- Persons who are at high risk of severe illness (e.g., people over 65 years of age, people of any age with underlying health conditions)
- Persons who come from historically marginalized populations
- Health care workers or first responders (e.g. EMS, law enforcement, fire department, military)
- Front-line and essential workers (grocery store clerks, gas station attendants, etc.) in settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain
North Carolina Working with Local Manufacturers to Make Critical Supplies
The state’s Task Force for Emergency Repurposing of Manufacturing has partnered with the N.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Carolina Textile District and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. to identify and collaborate with manufacturers statewide who are able to pivot their operations to produce critical personal protective equipment (PPE) including face shields, hand sanitizer, cloth masks, gowns and more. The Task Force has worked with over 300 North Carolina companies.
New Public Service Announcement (PSA) on the Ws
Wear. Wait. Wash. As North Carolina eases some COVID-19 restrictions, the NC Department of Health and Human Services is asking people to remember these three things to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. If you leave home, practice your Ws: Wear, Wait, Wash:
- Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people.
- Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Share our new 30-second public service announcement on the 3 Ws.
North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 Indicators Remain Stable
On May 14, Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen provided an update on North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics, which showed that the state remained stable nearly one week into Phase 1.
Make Sure Water Systems are Safe before Reopening
To help slow the spread of COVID-19, many buildings have closed to the public or have limited access. Reduced water use for extended time periods can lead to stagnant water, which can increase the risk for growth of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Owners and operators of buildings with complex water systems such as hotels, dormitories and some recreational facilities should take steps now to make sure that building water and water systems are safe to use and minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other disease associated with water. NCDHHS urges owners and operators of buildings with complex water systems to read and follow the CDC’s Guidance for Building Water Systems.
Guidance for Overnight Camps Now Available
NCDHHS has new guidance available for overnight camps in the state. The guidance includes recommendations on prevention, combatting misinformation, monitoring campers and staff for symptoms, protecting vulnerable populations, cabins and sleeping areas, daily activities, meal service and cleaning.
Interim Guidance for Overnight Camp Settings
Governor Signs Executive Order to Provide Regulatory Flexibility for Health Care System During Response to COVID-19
Governor Roy Cooper Issued Executive Order No. 139 to provide additional regulatory flexibility to help ensure capacity in the state’s health care system and improve its ability to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.