GNYHA provides periodic infectious disease updates to members. Please see below for updates and alerts from local, state, and Federal agencies.
City, State Departments of Health and CDC Resources for the 2019-20 Influenza Season
The New York State Department of Health, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish influenza resources for providers and weekly surveillance reports during influenza season. These resources can be accessed as follows:
- New York State Resources and Weekly Surveillance Report
- New York City Influenza Resources and Weekly Surveillance Report
- CDC Resources and Weekly Surveillance Report
Additionally, each year when the New York State Commissioner of Health declares that influenza is prevalent, health care and residential facilities are required to document the flu vaccination status of all health care workers, provide masks for unvaccinated workers, and ensure that the masks are worn in the presence of patients and residents. The Commissioner has not yet made the declaration for the 2019-20 season.
CDC Updates Guidance for Occupational Infection Prevention Services
The CDC released updated guidelines for routine practices of Occupational Health Services (OHS) in providing occupational infection prevention and control to health care personnel, special considerations for emergency response personnel, and provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The updated guidelines apply to a broad range of health care settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient settings, and target health care leaders and staff coordinating workplace health and safety. The recommendations include updates to existing areas in CDC’s guidance, are based on a review of current literature, and comprise new topics, including administrative support and resource allocation for OHS, service oversight by OHS leadership, and use of performance measures to track occupational infection prevention services and to guide quality improvement initiatives.
GNYHA will continue to provide members with infectious disease updates and resources.