COVID-19 Update April 1, 2020


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As New York physicians continue to fight on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority is–and always has been–the health and well-being of our patients. But we can’t be thrown into this war zone without adequate tools. It is imperative that we are provided with the best available defense, including Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and workplace practices and policies to reduce disease transmission. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts to facilitate the availability, we continue to hear far too many disturbing reports from physicians about inadequate PPE availability in the hospitals and office settings where they are delivering patient care.  This is shameful and must be addressed.

“In addition, physicians must retain the right to speak out about conditions that we perceive as endangering ourselves, our patients, and our colleagues’ well-being without fear of repercussion. Our patients’ welfare is our priority and we must retain our freedom to advocate for them, including expressing concerns regarding conditions and safety.”

Art Fougner, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York


New York State Statistics April 1, 2020
The coronavirus has infected more than 76,000 people in the New York State as of Wednesday morning.

The state’s new cases on Tuesday made New York the coronavirus epicenter of the world, surpassing China’s Hubei province, which reported 67,801 confirmed cases since the virus emerged there in December. Gov. Cuomo said 10,929 people have been hospitalized with the coronavirus, including 2,710 ICU patients.

Globally, the coronavirus has infected more than 873,767 and has killed at least 43,288 people, according to Johns Hopkins University data. In the U.S., the coronavirus has infected at least 189,633 people and has killed at least 4,081.

With 43,139 confirmed cases, New York City accounts for more than half of all cases in New York state.


Physicians, Share Your Experiences with MSSNY!
Do you have a story re your COVID-19 experiences to share with other New York physicians? We want to hear from you! Email to csouthard@mssny.org


NYSDOH Webinar Update for Healthcare Workers TOMORROW, April 2 @ 1-2 PM
Please join the NYS Department of Health Thursday, April 2nd at 1-2 PM for a COVID-19 update for healthcare providers. To accommodate the large number of participants, our webinar will be streaming via YouTube Live. For audio only, please dial in 844-512-2950.


Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet: Borrowers
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:

• The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8-week period after the loan is made; and

• Employee and compensation levels are maintained. Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.

What do I need to apply? You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender that is available to process your application by June 30, 2020.

Click here for the application.


10 K Disaster Grant: Does Not Impact Qualification for Forgivable Loan) 75% Reserved; File Now! Do NOT Wait

Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan NOW! 

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.  DO NOT WAIT!


Use of Telehealth Including Telephonic Services During State of Emergency
The intent of this document is to provide additional information regarding the broad expansion for the ability of all Medicaid providers in all situations to use a wide variety of communication methods to deliver services remotely during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, to the extent it is appropriate for the care of the member. This document is intended to accompany previously issued guidance regarding telehealth and telephonic communication services during the COVID-19 State of Emergency issued via Medicaid Updates beginning in March 2020, which are available on the Department of Health website here.


Medical Staff with Duncan Doughnuts
The New York Mets & Dunkin Donuts delivered coffee and donuts to the
staff at North Shore University Hospital (Photo by The New York Mets).