COVID-19

24 March

Gov. Inslee’s Stay at Home order and a letter for employees of essential businesses to carry with them

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The Governor issued the order last evening at 5:30 pm. Download a copy of it here. There has been no official direction from the Governor’s office regarding employees traveling between home and essential businesses. But the WSVMA recommends all employees carry a letter with them in the event they’re asked to show proof for being on the roads.   Here’s a template letter that veterinary hospitals can download and edit for their use. In the absence of a letter, employees should at least carry...

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24 March

National Survey to assess PPE Supply in the Veterinary Community

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Not to inundate you with surveys, but we are working with Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) to determine the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the veterinary community. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing supply chain issues as the stress on human healthcare strains supplies.  Our goal is to determine how long veterinary hospitals can practice under current conditions based on the PPE supplies on hand in hospitals. We also wish to inform how veterinary medical associations advocate for veterinary medicine...

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24 March

Supply shortages and how to conserve

wsvma   |   COVID-19

  We are communicating with a number of partners looking into shortages, including FDA, other veterinary associations, various practice groups, and distributors. We have isolated reports, based on discussion posts and mention of supplies in-stock, that the following items may be in short supply: Surgical masks, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizers, and surface sanitizing solutions. Some vendors have reported isopropyl alcohol and surgical drapes as being out of stock, but at last report other vendors still had those available (this may, of...

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24 March

Use of telemedicine and the VCPR: Federal regulatory update

wsvma   |   COVID-19

FDA has issued guidance, for immediate implementation, that temporarily suspends the enforcement of certain aspects of the federal veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) requirements. Those federal requirements apply to extralabel drug use, and the issuing of veterinary feed directives (VFD). The guidance acknowledges individual state VCPR requirements that may continue to exist, acknowledges current federal VCPR requirements related to in-person examinations or premises visits, and indicates suspension of requirements outlined in guidance are temporary measures during the COVID-19 outbreak.   Posted March 24, 2020...

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24 March

Working together during the COVID-19 crisis

wsvma   |   COVID-19

  We understand that we’re facing unprecedented change and impact to our businesses. We share your concerns about paying and laying off employees, remaining viable, open businesses. Our best chances of success and weathering this storm is going to come from helping each other. Think about partnering with other practices close to you that you can rely on to help if you or many of your staff become ill and there's no one to see patients for multiple days. Work out...

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13 March

The WSVMA is here for you

wsvma   |   COVID-19, WSVMA News

The WSVMA extends our heartfelt concern to veterinarians, teams and your families as we face challenges from the COVID-19 crisis. In our role as the primary advocate for veterinary medicine in Washington, we have two priorities, the health and wellbeing of our members and patients and providing meaningful support to you every day, not just when we’re facing challenging times. We continue to update our COVID resources webpage daily including new frequently asked questions, so you can stay up to date...

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06 March

WSVMA COVID-19 Updates

wsvma   |   Animal Health, COVID-19

As we reported earlier this week, the WSVMA has put together resources on our website for veterinarians and the public to help you keep abreast of all the COVID-19 news. We’ll update it with new information as things change. As we continue to deal with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, new questions are arising as to how veterinarians and veterinary practices may be impacted. One such question which came in this week asks: With the outbreak of COVID-19, if pet owners...

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28 February

Important member updates on COVID-19

wsvma   |   Animal Health, COVID-19

News reports from last evening indicate that Hong Kong authorities have quarantined a dog after samples from the dog's nasal cavity and mouth tested "weak positive" for the COVID-19 virus. The dog’s owner has tested positive for COVID 19. The implications of a "weak positive" test result remain unclear, and it is unknown if the detected presence of the virus is due to infection or environmental contamination. The Hong Kong Agricultural, Fisheries, and Conservation Department has issued a statement, which...

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