March 13, 2020 – Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) divisions are providing guidance on funding and mitigation techniques following the nation’s response to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, a respiratory virus disease (also known as the Coronavirus). DHHS has provided details regarding the process of funding disbursements as well as multiple guidance resources for mitigating the spread of the virus.
States, territories, tribes and localities will receive a total of $560 million, to be distributed after The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) contacts State Health Officers on March 12. States will receive 90% of their 2019 CDC PHEP grants. The funding is part of the $8.3 billion Supplemental passed by Congress for FY 2019.
The CDC guide, “Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission,” provides details on the various transmission levels of respiratory virus infections. The guide includes suggested actions that both individuals and communities can take to help mitigate the spread of these infections.
The mitigation guidance provided by DHHS includes the following: Infection Control for Healthcare Workers, Preparing Workplaces, Laboratories Guidance, Preparing Homeless Shelters, OMB Flexibilities and General Preparation Information.
To learn about the exact formula for funding distribution, read the statutory language on the congress.gov web site.
