Coronavirus Information and Resources

Intalere, a trusted ICAHN partner, recently released the following information about the Coronavirus, including this preface:

Intalere is closely monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak and potential impacts to the global healthcare supply chain. We use a robust platform to understand linkages and interdependencies across the healthcare supply chain and work with members and suppliers to understand how to mitigate potential impacts. While our clients are not currently experiencing disruptions, the outbreak at this time is rated as having a Potential Supply Chain Disruption score of MEDIUM, elevated from LOW at the start of the outbreak. While this outbreak has a potential impact on numerous industry sectors, there are several companies in the healthcare supply chain that may be impacted. This continues to be an evolving situation and Intalere is working with its supplier and member partners to actively assess the situation.

The World Health Organization declared on January 30th the new coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In China, more than 7,700 cases have been confirmed, and 170 people have died. There are 82 additional cases confirmed in 18 countries. It is expected that further international exportation of cases may appear in any country. Thus, all countries should be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, contact tracing and prevention of onward spread of 2019-nCoV infection, and to share full data with WHO. Technical advice is available on the WHO website.

Coronavirus Quick Facts

• Symptoms: The CDC believes at this time that symptoms (including fever, cough, and shortness of breath) of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.
• Transmission: When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Current known cases are due to direct, second, and third level contact, which means it is spreading through touching infected surfaces.
• Prevention & Treatment: There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. Historically, development time for new vaccines may range from 6-9 months. Preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses is recommended, including:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

The World Health Organization has issued technical guidance for infection prevention and control strategies for use when infection with 2019-nCov is suspected. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV andinvestigations are ongoing. The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s web page 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China. 

PUI Forms Healthcare providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their healthcare facility and their local or state health department in the event of a PUI (patient under investigation) for 2019-nCoV.
• Directory of Local Health Departments
• Interim 2019-nCov PUI Form
• CDC Interim Infection Prevention & Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed 2019-nCov or Patients Under Investigation

Preparing for Supply Chain Disruptions Supply chain disruptions are anticipated for the next several months. Your organization’s proactive preparation will enable you to respond and recover with resilience.
• Anticipate. Develop and model likely scenarios, generate cross-functional playbooks for simulated scenarios.
• Communicate: Proactively notify leadership, customers, and board about how the organization is preparing. Build confidence.
• Train: Set clear triggers for action, communicate with stakeholders.
• Joint planning with suppliers: Assess your suppliers’ pandemic planning preparedness measures, connect the dots on your own. Collaborate on realistic expectations
• Continuously monitor and adjust: Create internal updates, messaging and communicate cadence and discipline.

Communication Best Practices
During times of uncertainty, clear and consistent communication is key for instilling confidence within your organization. Review these tips to effectively communicate with your organization. Additional best practices and resources can be found here:
• World Health Organization: Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) readiness and response to the 2019 novel coronavirus
• CDC Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication (CERC)

Resources
• American Hospital Association Updates & Resources
• Real Time Map: 2019-nCoV Global Cases
• CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Situation Summary
• CDC Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
• Healthcare Facility Preparedness Checklist for MERS-CoV
• World Health Organization Novel Coronavirus Technical Guidance

Updates from Intalere’s Supplier Community Intalere will post supplier updates and resources as they become available to the Intalere Member Resources website. For additional information, please contact your suppliers and distribution partners directly.

Additional Support Intalere has an extensive network of suppliers and can assist you in securing needed supplies or services. Contact Intalere’s Emergency Response team at [email protected] or 877-711-5600. While product availability is contingent upon supplier and distributor current capabilities, you can be assured that Intalere will move quickly and coordinate efforts with a network of partners on your behalf.