NY extends 60 day PPE stockpile despite end of COVID-19 pandemic
New York State has passed an emergency rule that requires hospitals and nursing homes to maintain a 60-day emergency stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) even though the COVID-19 emergency has been declared over. The state Health Department said the rule was necessary to address the lessons learned from the pandemic in 2020-21. Officials have said that having an adequate supply of PPE is essential in case of a future outbreak of a COVID-19 variant or any other communicable disease. “Notwithstanding the end of the State disaster emergencies relating to COVID-19, infections in nursing homes across the state persist, and hospitals remain at the front lines of response,” the Health Department said.
FAQs:
Q: Why is New York State requiring hospitals and nursing homes to maintain a 60-day emergency stockpile of PPE?
A: The state Health Department said the rule was necessary to address the lessons learned from the pandemic in 2020-21.
Q: What led to the decision to extend the order?
A: New York officials want hospitals and nursing homes to be better prepared in case of a future outbreak of a COVID-19 variant or any other communicable disease.
Q: Is the COVID-19 emergency over in New York State?
A: Yes, the COVID-19 emergency has been declared over in New York State.
Q: How long must the hospitals and nursing homes maintain the emergency stockpile?
A: The emergency rule requires hospitals and nursing homes to maintain a 60-day emergency stockpile of PPE.
Q: What kind of PPEs must be part of the stockpile?
A: Hospitals and nursing homes must have an adequate supply of PPEs such as masks, gloves, respirators, face shields, and gowns.
NY Maintains 60-Day PPE Stockpile Despite the Decline of COVID-19 Cases.
New York’s hospitals and nursing homes have been told they must maintain a stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) for 60 days, even though authorities have declared the COVID-19 emergency over. The state Health Department stated that the measure was in direct response to lessons learned in New York from 2020 to 2021 during the pandemic. Officials said facilities needed to be fully equipped in the event of any future outbreak of a COVID-19 variant or any other communicable disease. Despite the apparent easing of the lockdown restrictions, nursing homes and hospitals remain at the forefront of the fight and require an adequate supply of PPE to protect not only the vulnerable populations they care for, but also the staff who provide the vital service.