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Several states and territories, as well as many local governments, are going beyond recommendations and requiring individuals to wear face coverings when they are in public settings and spaces (i.e. grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants, public and private transportation services, parks, etc.). Ongoing research and evidence suggests the relationship between mandatory face coverings and declines in daily COVID-19 growth rates is statistically significant.

The 2020 holiday season is coinciding with a nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases. With great concern that holiday travel to see loved ones may exacerbate community spread of the virus, many states are increasing public health measures before the winter holiday season. As of November 16, 2020, 13 states and D.C. had a quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers. The U.S. territories also have instituted travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

When rural hospitals close, it increases the distance people must travel for essential healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and magnified the factors leading to rural hospital closures across the country. Many healthcare facilities suspended elective procedures to conserve critically needed personal protective equipment and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by patients and hospital staff. For many rural hospitals, however, the suspension of elective procedures with the reduced the use of non-urgent services by apprehensive patients meant a loss of revenue and the furloughed healthcare staff. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately half of all rural hospitals are experiencing negative operating margins due to reduced outpatient revenue. The rate increases in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Unfortunately, these kinds of challenges are not new to rural hospitals.

Assessment of Foundational Capabilities Assessment of Foundational Capabilities in Public Health Grace Gorenflo, Brian Lentes, Melissa Touma, Anna Bradley Learn how state health departments are implementing the Foundational Public Health Services model to bolster their public health work in this report. The Foundational Public Health Services model serves as the core framework for defining cross-cutting capabilities essential for public health departments to deliver a minimum standard of service. This report compiles examples and assessments from 25 states to illustrate the implementation and progress of these foundational capabilities. Highlighting the importance of public health infrastructure, the report also includes a summary of state activities, showcases models and strategies for modernization and transformation, and reference tools such as cost assessments, legislation, and funding mechanisms used to strengthen public health systems nationwide. Dive into the full report to access these resources. Download the Report (PDF) article yes