COVID-19

07 April

Use of Face Masks

wsvma   |   COVID-19

CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The purpose of the use of face coverings is to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have SARS-CoV-2 and do not know it from transmitting it to others. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those should continue...

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03 April

WSU laboratory begins limited testing for COVID-19 virus

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL), on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, has begun limited testing of animal samples for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent for COVID-19. Currently, the test is only available for agencies and academic institutions. The current testing was not developed with and does not use human health testing resources. No additional personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for the testing program as designed in a coordinated effort with the nation’s animal disease diagnostic...

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03 April

Spokane County veterinarians asked to donate surplus PPE – National survey indicates veterinary hospitals are low on PPE

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Spokane County's Health Officer has contacted the Inland Empire Veterinary Medical Association with a request for the veterinary community to donate surplus personal protective equipment to aid in the COVID-19 crisis. The County is in critical need of masks, gloves, disposable gowns, and face shields. Donated PPE can be dropped off at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on the Broadway entrance, Spokane Valley from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Two local veterinary hospitals, Wandermere Animal Hospital and SouthCare Animal Medical...

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03 April

A COVID-19 message to equestrians

wsvma   |   COVID-19

State Veterinarians across the U.S are concerned about animal susceptibility to coronavirus and possible links between animals and the spread of COVID-19 among humans. For horse owners and people who work with horses, we see little cause for concern about equine susceptibility or transmission; no evidence currently links the virus that causes COVID-19 with disease in horses nor are there any indications that horses can infect humans with the virus. A virus in the coronavirus family, equine coronavirus (ECoV), can cause gastrointestinal disease...

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03 April

License renewal dates extended

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The WA Secretary of Health has extended health profession license expiration dates for licenses up for renewal between April 1 and September 30, 2020. The order includes licenses for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary medication clerks. Licenses that expire during this six month period must be renewed by September 30, 2020. This extension will allow health professionals to focus on patient care and promote continued patient safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. Because renewal payment won’t be required until September 30, 2020,...

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03 April

What you need to know about the CARES Act and business loans

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Things are changing quickly on the terms and rules of the business loans established by the CARES Act. To keep abreast of the most recent updates, including from today, visit the AVMA website. AVMA has developed a suite of resources to help you understand the relief programs and decide how best to use them for your individual situation: Free webinar: CARES Act small business loan programs Learn how to prepare for the new Paycheck Protection Program launching Friday, and understand how it...

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03 April

Petriage New Member Telemedicine Benefit

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Petriage offers a proprietary, advanced online teletriage tool that uses a sophisticated algorithm to identify what may be ailing a dog or cat, enabling pet owners to assess the need for veterinary care and their family veterinarian to communicate with them. Veterinarians can assess the urgency of household pets’ health symptoms remotely and deliver trusted recommendations. In addition, the software enables pets’ medical data to be integrated effortlessly into the vet’s practice management system. In addition to its ability to host...

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03 April

Latest COVID-19 Links

wsvma   |   COVID-19

New Links Paid Sick Leave and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions - WA Dept. of Labor & Industries Interim recommendations for intake of companion animals from households where humans with COVID-19 are present - AVMA Considerations for food animal veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic - AVMA Why We Must Suspend S/N During COVID-19: Voices from the Field – for Animal Welfare Advancement WSVMA COVID-19 Resources Tips for Disaster Responders – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Cleaning and...

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31 March

CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The following information is provided courtesy of Katz Sapper & Miller CPA firm. KS&M is a highly respected firm that provides guidance and accounting services to the veterinary industry among others. They can be reached at (317) 580-2000. For more information and analysis on COVID-19-related federal regulatory changes, please visit their website. CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program On March 27, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While the sweeping legislation introduces a multitude...

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27 March

President Trump Signs $2 Trillion Coronavirus Rescue Package into Law  

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) offers relief to state and local governments, individuals, small and large businesses, and hospitals affected by the coronavirus crisis. The following are three documents the AVMA has prepared. Highlights of the FFCR Act and the CARES Act. Section by Section Analysis of portion of the CARES Act most relevant to veterinary practice FAQ on Small Business Loans AVMA is working quickly to get information out to the community on how the...

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