Update:
The limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) distributed to Texas’ major Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) has been allocated as of Tuesday, those RACS have told Texas Medical Association staff. However, TMA staff is working with the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the RACs on a process for Texas physicians to obtain PPE as more supplies become available.
Original story:
Physicians and practices who treat patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should contact their Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) to request personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical and testing supplies.
Supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile – such as surgical masks, respirators, face shields, surgical gowns, and gloves – began arriving in Texas over the weekend. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been sending supplies to its local partners, which will distribute them to health care facilities and hospitals in their areas.
“DSHS will continue to work with the same organizations to distribute remaining supplies to areas where they are needed most,” the agency said. “The state's resources are limited based on federal allocation and supply chain issues. Requests for assistance are evaluated according to imminent need.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends patients and clinical staff use PPE to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Gov. Greg Abbott last week declared a state of disaster for Texas, which included reassigning resources obtained through the Strategic National Stockpile, a national repository of medications and other medical supplies maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and designed to be sent to states during a national emergency.
Remember, you can find the latest news, resources, and government guidance on the coronavirus outbreak by visiting TMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center regularly.
Last Updated On
March 23, 2020
Originally Published On
March 17, 2020