COVID-19 UPDATE | January 7 Huddle Card

January 7, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • RCC Shares the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
  • New Resource for Members: KP.org Guide to Vaccine Prioritization and Eligibility
  • Management of Vaccinated Health Care Personnel
  • Important Safety Reminders for Staff at Care Delivery Facilities

Regional Command Center Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

During yesterday’s live audiocast, leaders provided important updates and answers on the COVID-19 vaccine and more.

If you missed it, listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2020). You can also download a transcript of this audiocast. You can also review the COVID-19 FAQs on the COVID-19 NW page.

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 12, starting at 12:10 p.m. Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics.

New Resource for Members: KP.org Guide to Vaccine Prioritization and Eligibility

A recent update to the COVID-19 Vaccine page on kp.org provides detailed information on member eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. This resource may be helpful in answering member questions and guiding them to the most current information.

Management of Vaccinated Health Care Personnel

Beginning Friday, January 8, employees who received the first dose of their 2-dose COVID vaccine series will begin receiving their second dose.

Please review the post vaccine workflow posted in December. It was specifically developed for health care personnel (HCP) recently vaccinated. This document provides guidance for the management of health care personnel who may have developed a local (mild, moderate, or severe) or systemic reaction, along with return to work guidelines.

Important Safety Reminders for Staff at Care Delivery Facilities

The following precautions are for the safety of everyone in our facilities.

  1. The expectation is that our patients will wear a mask in our facilities (including while in their hospital room). Exceptions are when they are alone and when they are medically unable to wear a mask due to delirium, confusion, severe COPD, etc. If a patient declines to wear a mask, share the message, “I understand you’d prefer not to wear a mask, but for everyone’s safety, wearing a mask is required inside this facility.” Patients should be given a “cover your cough” mask and instructed on proper use, including covering both their nose and mouth.
  2. Staff are expected to wear appropriate PPE (including masks) when inside our facilities.
  3. Staff are expected to wear their I.D. badge above their waist at all times (from before they are greeted at the entrance, to when they exit the building). As with PPE, this is a precaution to keep patients and staff safe.

Situation Update

Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.

This data is current as of January 5. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Recognizing Our Flu Champions

In a year of abundant challenges and accomplishments, we want to give special thanks to our flu champions, whose determination and effort allowed us to successfully offer members and employees drive-through and walk-up flu vaccination clinics this flu season. Read more.

Remember, Flu Shots at Designated Pharmacies Extended to March 31

Members can now get a flu shot at designated pharmacies through March 31. Visit Kp.org to find a retail pharmacy location.

Reminder: Please wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is not known if getting the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine will affect how each vaccine works.

Help Name the New Employee Recognition Program

Due to the success of last year’s COVID Hero Award program, we will be expanding the scope of the award this year to include work not related to the pandemic. And you can help! We invite you to get creative and submit a name for the new program to KPNW-Recognition@kp.org by Friday, January 22. Learn more.

COVID-19 UPDATE | January 5 Huddle Card

January 5, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Save the Date | The Next Live Audio Broadcast is January 5
  • How to Find, Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment
  • CDC Clinical Resource mRNA COVID Vaccine (12/30/20)

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 5, starting at 12:10 p.m. 

Get the latest COVID-19 updates from the KPNW Regional Command Center:

  • Vaccine – Latest Updates
  • COVID-19 and Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variant Strains
  • Team Nursing

Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics.

­­­How to Find, Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

More COVID-19 vaccine scheduling tickets are going out every day! Please keep these points in mind:

What if I get a ticket? When you receive your scheduling ticket, schedule your appointment! Appointments are offered at convenient times, 7 days a week. If you no longer need the appointment, please cancel so your slot can go to someone else.


How do I find my scheduling ticket?
Follow these steps:

  1. Log into kp.org to look for notification of an appointment you can schedule.
  2. If you have no notification or appointment ticket once logged into kp.org, try a different device or internet browser such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge. 
  3. If that doesn’t work, talk to your manager, who can follow up with a vaccine coordinator.
  4. If you can’t locate a scheduling ticket, and your manager confirms that you should have one, please go online to fill out and submit this COVID19 Vaccination Appointing Ticket Request.

What if I don’t have KP.org? Please sign up, if you can! Nearly all of us in KPNW are eligible. If you are not registered for a kp.org account, sign up now at kp.org/getregistered.Can I just call the call center? Please don’t call the center if you can avoid it. January call volume historically is 20% higher than other times of the year, and with COVID-19 needs, it will be even higher. Let’s do all we can to support our call center team by trying to take other self-service steps first.

CDC Clinical Resource mRNA COVID Vaccine (12/30/20)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published interim Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. These include answers to member questions about vaccine administration, such as:

  • Past history of or recent active COVID-19 infection
  • Special populations such as immunocompromised state, history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, autoimmune conditions
  • History of allergic reactions, precautions, and contraindications
  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening in the health care setting (health care providers)

Words from Our Members

“My first “in-person” visit at Kaiser and I am impressed! Even with COVID-19 precautions in place, every person I interacted with was warm, professional and caring. Efficient and rapid and safe intake. I was so impressed I could go from my MD appointment directly to the lab for my blood work. I am a very satisfied patient!”

Flu Shots at Designated Pharmacies Extended to March 31

Members can now get a flu shot at designated pharmacies through March 31. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, or completed a declination form, now is the time to do so. Visit Kp.org to find a retail pharmacy location, and read more on insideKP.

Reminder: Please wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is not known if getting the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine will affect how each vaccine works.

Situation Update

Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.

This data is current as of January 3. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 31 Huddle Card

December 31, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Save the Date | The Next Live Audio Broadcast is January 5
  • Preparing for Your COVID-19 Vaccination
  • COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-Term Care Facility Patients
  • UPDATE On Members Traveling Within 90 Days of Positive Test
  • PPE by Level of Isolation

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 5, starting at 12:10 p.m. 

Get the latest COVID-19 updates from the KPNW Regional Command Center:

  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Variant
  • Team Nursing

If you have a question you’d like leaders to address, submit it here.

Preparing for Your COVID-19 Vaccination

When preparing for your COVID-19 vaccine, please keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Arrive no sooner than 5 minutes before your appointment time.
  • Allow time to stay for a 15-minute post-vaccine observation period in the vaccination area.
  • If you have a history of allergies, you will need to be monitored for 30 minutes at the vaccination site.
  • It is essential we each follow this monitoring protocol for observation. If you don’t have time to wait, you will need to reschedule your appointment.
  • Rare adverse reactions have been reported after vaccination, including anaphylaxis. Our protocol enables us to safely monitor, manage, and report vaccine reactions.  

If you have questions, please contact Employee Health.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-Term Care Facility Patients

Walgreens and CVS are now offering on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for KP members who reside in long-term care facilities. As part of the Oregon Health Authority’s Phase 1a COVID-19 Vaccine Sequencing plan, those residents are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon — and soon will be in Washington.

If a KP member receives a notice from Walgreens or CVS to get their vaccine:

  • They will be advised to contact their Northwest Permanente clinician, to confirm it’s the right choice for them.
  • If approved, the patient will use the retail pharmacy link to book their appointment.
  • The retail pharmacy will administer these vaccines directly.
  • There is no cost to KP members.

UPDATE On Members Traveling Within 90 Days of Positive Test

CDC does not recommend testing again in the three months after a positive viral test, as long as the person does not have COVID-19 symptoms. If a person has had a positive viral test in the past 3 months, and has met the criteria to end isolation, that person should travel with a copy of their test results and a letter from their doctor or health department that states you have been cleared for travel.

PPE by Level of Isolation

Please see our updated infographic detailing the use of PPE based on the level of isolation. The document provides guidance for using the correct PPE when caring for COVID-19 positive patients based on the level of isolation (unit or room) and if AGPs are performed.

NWP 365 Podcast Episodes

Episode 121 | Guest host Dr. Mary Giswold speaks to Dr. Spindel about COVID-19, vaccines, anosmia, and herd immunity.

Flu Shots at Designated Pharmacies Extended to March 31

We’ve extended our partnership with retail pharmacies. Members can now get a flu shot at designated pharmacies through March 31. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, or completed a declination form, now is the time to do so. Visit Kp.org to find a retail pharmacy location, and read more on insideKP.

Reminder: Please wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is not known if getting the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine will affect how each vaccine works.

Situation Update

Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.

This data is current as of December 29. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 29 Huddle Card

December 29, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Tips for Scheduling (and Keeping) Your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment
  • Update! Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Members to Receive REALD Survey After COVID Test
  • Save the Date | The Next Live Audio Broadcast is January 5

Tips for Scheduling (and Keeping) Your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

More and more of us are receiving COVID-19 vaccine scheduling tickets via kp.org. When it’s your turn, here are some tips to remember:

  • When you receive your scheduling ticket, get your appointment scheduled! Appointments are offered at convenient times, 7 days a week.
  • If you can’t locate a scheduling ticket, and your manager confirms that you should have one, please go online to fill out this COVID19 Vaccination Appointing Ticket Request.
  • If you no longer need the appointment, please cancel so your slot can go to someone else.
  • Arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time at our hospitals; no earlier than 10 minutes before at our medical offices.
  • We’re beginning to offer vaccinations at these medical offices: Beaverton, Central Interstate, North Lancaster, Orchards, Longview-Kelso, Mt. Talbert.

Thank you for making – and keeping – your appointment, so we can keep the no-show rate low.

And thank you to our vaccination volunteers – please remember to check your preferred email for shift confirmations.

The vaccination implementation team is grateful to the many people working tirelessly to make the rollout go as smoothly as possible, and appreciates your flexibility and patience as we work through the process.

Update! Answers to Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

We’ve updated the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs to help answer employee and member questions about the vaccine. New topics include the effectiveness of the vaccine, reported side effects, whether children can receive it (yes, if they are older than 16), and a reminder that you should wait 14 days to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after receiving another vaccine.

Members to Receive REALD Survey After COVID Test

Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, Kaiser Permanente members who receive a COVID-19 test will be sent a REALD (race, ethnicity, language and disability) survey. The survey is part of the State of Oregon’ effort to standardize the collection of this data to better understand the needs of communities and where additional resources are needed.

Members who are registered on KP.org will receive an electronic version of the questionnaire in their KP.org account. Members who do not have a KP.org account will receive the questionnaire through the United States Postal Service, which will include a prepaid return envelope. Review the MSCC REALD FAQ’s for more information.

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 5, starting at 12:10 p.m.  If you have a question you’d like leaders to address, submit it here.

End 2020 With A Flu Shot!

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, or completed a declination form, now is the time to do so. For administrative staff (care delivery and non-care delivery) who don’t regularly go to clinics, you can visit a designated retail pharmacy through December 31, and KP will cover the cost of the vaccination. Visit Kp.org to find a retail pharmacy location, and read more on insideKP.

Reminder: Please wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is not known if getting the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine will affect how each vaccine works.

Words from Our Members

“During this pandemic, we are more relieved than ever to have our Kaiser membership. We know we’re in good hands. The drive-through delivery of the flu vaccine was handled very professionally, and we look forward to a similar experience with the COVID vaccine. Thank You!

Situation Update

Note: we are working to revise the situation table to ensure it captures the most relevant, timely information. Look for a refreshed format soon.

This data is current as of December 27. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 24 Huddle Card

December 24, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Get the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
  • Additional Support for Scheduling A COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Update: Management of COVID-Positive Test Results

Regional Command Center Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

During yesterday’s live audiocast, leaders provided important updates and answers on the COVID-19 vaccine and more.

If you missed it, listen to the audio recording. You can also download a transcript of this audiocast. And, you can find answers to your questions about the vaccine here on the COVID-19 NW page.  

Additional Support for Scheduling A COVID-19 Vaccination

As of 1 p.m. on December 23, 1,678 KPNW health care personnel have received the COVID-19 vaccination. While this is exciting news, we are fielding questions about missed tickets and eligibility. To help get these questions addressed, we created an online scheduling ticket request form. If staff members are unable to locate a scheduling ticket, and their manager confirmed that they should have one, please go online to fill out this COVID19 Vaccination Appointing Ticket Request. These requests will be reviewed weekly. If approved, you will receive a time-sensitive scheduling ticket via kp.org. Please allow up to 10 days after submitting a ticket request to receive a ticket via kp.org—most will arrive sooner.

Reminder: If you didn’t receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointing ticket but were told you should have received one (or if you received a scheduling ticket email but the link in the email isn’t working), take the following steps:

  1. Log into kp.org to look for notification of an appointment you can schedule.
  2. If you have no notification or appointment ticket once logged into kp.org, try a different device or internet browser such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge. 
  3. If that doesn’t work, call appointment desk at 800-813-2000 to schedule
  4. If appointment desk doesn’t see the scheduling ticket, talk to your manager, who can follow up with a vaccine coordinator.
  5. (NEW) If your manager confirms you should have received a vaccine appointing ticket, go online to fill out and submit this COVID19 Vaccination Appointing Ticket Request.

If you are not registered for a kp.org account, sign up now at kp.org/getregistered.

V-Safe After-Vaccine Health Checker 

When it’s your turn to get vaccinated, you can use V-safe to report any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. V-safe is a smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker that uses text messaging and web surveys from CDC to check in with vaccine recipients. V-safe also provides second vaccine dose reminders if needed, and telephone follow up to anyone who reports medically significant adverse events.

Update: Management of COVID-Positive Test Results

On Monday 12/21, Care Essentials implemented a new approach to the outreach and management of newly diagnosed Covid-19 patients*.

The new system is as follows:

  • An email will be sent to most patients newly diagnosed with COVID-19 who have kp.org access. This email will have the basic instructions and information needed by patients with diagnosis of COVID-19.  
  • This email will also provide the patient the option to schedule a 15-minute RN phone visit if they have additional questions or concerns regarding their COVID-19 diagnosis.
    • These phone visits may be scheduled to occur 7 days a week. 
  • If the patient simply needs a work note, then the email also gives the patient the option to schedule a 10-minute LPN call with our Care Essentials LPNs.
    • The Care Essentials clinician COVID-19 team lead for the day will be the authorizing provider for the activity RX work notes.
  • If during one of these RN or LPN phone visits, there are immediate concerns for further medical care or prescription treatment, the nurse may contact the Care Essentials clinician team for quick patient management and/or call back that day. 

For those patients not active on kp.org, the Care Essentials team will continue to outreach call.

What you need to know about our back-office workflow:

  • For patient incoming/returning calls to call center, the PCP back office team and RAN will continue to manage these in the back office for now.   
  • Clinician may sign off on Covid-positive results, as there is a process in place for follow-up and care management.  No need to send message to Back Office team to inform patient of positive result.
  • If you prefer, you can postpone the positive result for 48 hours and then review chart to confirm that patient has been contacted by CE team.
  • Testing site staff should inform the patient that they will get a kp.org letter with their results and options for next steps.

* Staff working at Care Essentials (CE) are doing the outreach and management of KPNW’s newly diagnosed COVID-19 positive patients.

KPNW Length of Quarantine Options

KPNW is following the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) guidance for length of quarantine. Although the 14-day option has the lowest post quarantine transmission risk, guidance for 10 days (with no test) and 7 days (with a negative test at 5+ days) have been provided by the CDC and OHA. Our testing recommendations currently include testing asymptomatic contacts of cases at day 5. The goal of the reduced length is to get more people to comply with quarantine recommendations and allow back to work sooner when possible.

Recently, the Tri-County (Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties) public health authorities updated their quarantine recommendations and are not recommending the 7-day option. This varies with the CDC’s and Oregon Health Authority’s recommendations that KPNW is following. KPNW’s guidance will not change at this time and we will continue follow the 14, 10, and 7-day option guidance.

This information was covered in the December 4 COVID-19 Huddle Card Update and the December 15 RCC audiocast. You can also review the COVID-19 Testing Locations and Guidelines document or the CDC When to Quarantine site for more information.

KPNW Health Care Personnel (HCP) quarantine and return to work guidelines have not changed.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

This week’s COVID-19 trends from KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented on Wednesday, December 23:

  • Anticipated Surge Timing: We anticipate another increase around the December holidays, with gatherings, travel, and returning college students. We expect additional surges through late January (with higher hospitalization census possibly into mid-Feb. 2021). 
    • We were looking to the “Thanksgiving Effect” as a harbinger of what to expect from the holidays. Oregon hospitals did not experience a post-Thanksgiving surge.  We still cautiously approach the longer holiday period when college students from farther away are anticipated to return and larger, indoor social gatherings are more likely.
  • Internal hospital census for KPNW has declined for the last week, but the number does not account for patients in the KP@Home program. The hospital census for Oregon has increased, but trends vary by region.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 3% from last week to this week (49.1 to 47.7). ADC forecast for this week is 49 by Dec 29 (w. error). Forecast is an increasing trend but may be at a temporary plateau until after the holidays.
  • ICU use is up in December compared with November. As of December 23rd, ICU census count was 7 patients, 18% of hospital COVID+ census. November average was 9%.

KPNW COVID+ average weekly cases wasdown 17% from last week (164) to this week (137). Forecast for this week is 137 casesby Dec 29 (w. error).  

COVID-19 Childcare Grants Helps KPNW Employees

Even in the best of times, returning to work from maternity leave with a new baby and a toddler at home is daunting. But 2020 introduced next-level challenges for working parents such as Kelly Spencer, a nuclear medicine technologist at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center. Kelly was among the nearly 55,000 employees who benefited from the childcare grants. Listen to Kelly share her story with help from her children, Scarlett and Everett.

If You Need Support, Remember These Resources

Listen to Coworkers Perform Holiday Safety Songs

Put a smile on your face! Watch this video (password: kpnw2020) to see the magic and creativity of your co-workers as they perform a few songs that have been rewritten for this very special holiday season. Visit insideKP to learn more.

Situation Update

This data is current as of December 22. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 22 Huddle Card

December 22, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • 2020: A Note of Thanks and a Ray of Hope
  • Join the RCC Live Audio Broadcast Today
  • Hear the Magic of This Season with Some Holiday Safety Songs!
  • Vaccine Update
  • Extension of Policy to Waive Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Treatment of COVID-19
  • Weekly KPNW COVID-19 Trends

2020: A Note of Thanks and a Ray of Hope

Watch now as Jeff Collins, Imelda Dacones, and John Snyder share a special end of year video message for us. They tell us that while the pandemic may have shaped our year — our people have defined it. That together, we have answered the call to act and think in new ways as we reimagine the way we deliver care and interact with our members — and each other — to deliver on our mission.

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, December 22, starting at 12:10 to 12:40 p.m.

Get the latest COVID-19 updates from the KPNW Regional Command Center:

  • Vaccine – Latest Updates and Answers
  • Self- Care and Resilience

If you have a question you’d like leaders to address, submit it here. For more information, review the audio broadcast flyer.

Hear the Magic of This Season with Some Holiday Safety Songs!

Some of your co-workers wanted to help us close out this tumultuous year with a smile that also underscores the important safety messages about mask-wearing, social distancing and staying home. 

Hear and see the magic of their creativity by watching this video (password: kpnw2020) with a new rendition of a few songs that have been rewritten for this very special holiday season.   

In the News: Frontline Staff First in Line to Receive COVID-19 Vaccinations

Kaiser Permanente experienced a historic morning last Friday as frontline workers in our hospitals began receiving COVID-19 vaccines. First in line were Dr. Derrik Lee, MD, a hospitalist at Sunnyside Medical Center, and Tovi Anderson, MD, a family medicine physician at West side Medical Center.

View News Coverage of Our Vaccination Efforts

Vaccine Update

When will I be able to get the vaccine? Vaccine will be available to everyone. When it comes to prioritizing who receives the COVID-19 vaccine, we are following the guidance of the Oregon Health Authority and Washington State Health Department. Hospital employees are prioritized over ambulatory in the initial group in alignment with guidelines from OHA. Please review, print, and post the flyer (attached) in employee-only areas. (This is not member-facing. Those materials are in development and will be available in the coming weeks. Please continue to direct KP members to kp.org/coronavirus for the latest updates.)

Soon, more details about KPNW’s vaccine delivery schedule will be available, enabling our KPNW Vaccine Implementation team to provide a more detailed plan, outlining expected timing for each department.

Review the latest answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccine.

Vaccine Available for All Scheduled Health Care Personnel

Governor Brown tweeted and some news outlets reported last week that the supply of Pfizer vaccine coming this week was smaller than she had been expecting. Those health care personnel already scheduled for vaccinations can be assured that there is vaccine available for them.

Will we have vaccine for second shots?

OHA has reassured our vaccine teams that we will not be provided with vaccine for first shots unless we will also have vaccine for second shots.

Management of Vaccinated Health Care Personnel

Please review this post vaccine workflow, specifically developed for health care personnel (HCP) recently vaccinated. This document provides guidance for the management of health care personnel who may have developed a local (mild, moderate, or severe) or systemic reaction, along with return to work guidelines.

Extension of Policy to Waive Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Treatment of COVID-19

Kaiser Permanente is extending its policy to waive member out-of-pocket costs for inpatient and outpatient services when treating COVID-19 through at least March 31, 2021, or as long as the ongoing national public health emergency lasts. Members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will not have to pay co-pays or other cost-share related to their medical care and treatment of COVID-19, even if they must stay in the hospital.

Visit the COVID-19 InfoSource page to find more information about the policy update.

Weekly KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented December 18:

  • Anticipated surge timing: We anticipate another increase around the December holidays, with gatherings, travel and returning college students. We expect additional surges through late January (with higher hospitalization census possibly into mid-Feb. 2021). 
  • Internal hospital census for KPNW appears stable since last week, but the numbers do not account for Covid-19 patients in KP@Home program. The hospital census for Oregon has decreased; trends vary by region.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was stable from last week to this week (50.0 to 50.3). ADC forecast for this week is 55 by Dec 24 (w. error). We forecast a slight increasing trend but that may increase more rapidly after the holidays.
  • ICU use is up in December compared with November. As of December 17, ICU census was 28% of hospital census, compared with 9% in November.
  • KPNW COVID+ cases weekly average was down 14% from last week (182) to this week (157). Forecast for this week is 163 cases by Dec 24 (w. error).  

Words from Our Members

“I had heard stories about the long wait times when going to urgent. This was not true in my case. The check-in staff were very kind and concerned about my situation. The imaging tech went above and beyond to keep me comfortable during the X-ray. I appreciated how I was treated by all the staff considering the stress they are dealing with COVID-19. Thank you!”

Situation Update

Note: we are working to revise the situation table to ensure it captures the most relevant, timely information. Look for a refreshed format soon.

This data is current as of December 20. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 18 Huddle Card

December 18, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin Today at KPNW
  • Save the Date | Next Live Audio Broadcast is December 22
  • COVID-19 Paid Leave and Childcare Grants Extended
  • What’s New in Healthconnect?
  • Clarifying Pre-Travel Covid-19 Requirements

COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin Today at KPNW

This morning, at 6:30 a.m., front-line hospital staff at Westside and Sunnyside will be the first KPNW employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. At Westside, Governor Kate Brown will be our virtual guest, joining by Zoom to talk to an ICU charge nurse about what this day means to him.

The entire Regional Command Center extends our deep thanks to the many people across the organization who’ve worked day and night to make this historic milestone a reality. While it’s just the beginning of what will be a months-long process, it is a day to celebrate the achievements of science, your perseverance and dedication, and what we hope will be a brighter 2021.

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, December 22, starting at 12:10 p.m.  If you have a question you’d like leaders to address, submit it here.

COVID-19 Paid Leave and Childcare Grants Extended

12/18 | See the latest edition, No. 33, for several important updates:

  • Patient information for travel-related COVID testing
  • Provide cost estimates for prescribed medications
  • Discharge instructions for COVID-19 positive patients now available in Spanish
  • HealthCare Anywhere (HCA) mobile has replaced IVVtoGo!

Your Holiday Safety Videos Have Been Amazing!

Thank you to everyone for submitting a holiday song with an important safety message. The talent and creativity displayed by you and your co-workers is truly incredible. Next week we will share a video compilation of some of the songs we received.

Until then enjoy Ifeoma Muoto, Clinic Manager, OBGYN Sub-Specialties, Mt. Talbert Medical Office, and Brent Roth Director, Medical Office, Mt. Talbert Medical Office, as they combine to bring you Holly Jolly Christmas. Also visit insideKP where we will post this and other videos through the holidays.

Situation Update

Note: we are working to revise the situation table to ensure it captures the most relevant, timely information. Look for a refreshed format soon.

This data is current as of December 16. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Clarifying Pre-Travel Covid-19 Testing Requirements

Some airlines requirements specify PCR testing, and this can be confusing for members, as they’re unsure whether tests completed at Kaiser Permanente will meet travel requirements. 

The information below is intended to provide additional clarity regarding COVID-19 testing for travel.

Can a member get a PCR test?

  • We cannot guarantee a PCR test as we have several different tests we run which may/may not be PCR and are all equivalent nucleic acid tests (NAAT).
  • Nucleic acid amplification assay tests (NAAT) include TMA and PCR tests. Kaiser performs both TMA and PCR tests. Be assured that any COVID test performed at KP-NW is a diagnostic NAAT test and meets the highest criteria for travel.
  • Travel or employer requirements should allow for equivalent testing.

Can we assist a member with finding a PCR testing facility?

  • Most labs across the country are running similar tests and members will likely have the same experience if they are looking for PCR tests elsewhere. Please DO NOT call the lab asking for PCR tests or to ask what labs do PCR testing.

What kind of test does KP use?

  • Kaiser Permanente uses both TMA and RT-PCR assays. The SARS-CoV-2 TMA assay is a nucleic acid amplification assay (NAAT) and is equivalent to other PCR tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Do different locations or departments at KPNW have different testing capabilities?

  • No – all our testing locations, including urgent care have the same testing capabilities. Do not send members to different locations with the expectation of different tests.

What KPHC tools are available to assist with supporting members with their concerns about travel requirements and PCR equivalency?

  • As soon as tests are resulted, they are available for members via KP.Org.  The result has information about PCR equivalency.  

Upon request, members can be provided with an additional letter to give to the airline with additional information explaining the NAAT equivalency to the PCR.  Use “Airline Required PCR Test for Travel” in the patient instructions section of the .COVID master phrase.  You can use this in letters, kp.org messages and Patient Instructions.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 17 Huddle Card

December 17, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • RCC Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Updates
  • Vaccine Updates
  • COVID Testing Hours for Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • Submit Your Holiday Safety Song Video Today!

Regional Command Center Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Updates

During yesterday’s live audiocast, leaders provided important updates on the COVID-19 vaccine and more.

If you missed it, listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2020).

Mark your calendar for the next live audiocast: Tuesday, December 22 at 12:10 p.m. Submit questions or suggestions you would like leaders to address.

Vaccine Updates

Please listen to Dr. Sharff’s message and review this FAQ to find answers to questions, including: Is it safe? Is it effective? What are the side effects? Is it required? How will I know when it’s my turn to get the vaccine? What do I tell members asking about the vaccine?

  • How will I know if I am a priority health care provider, eligible for the vaccine right now?
    You will receive a scheduling ticket via email or, if you do not have a kp.org account, you will receive a call. Confirm your decision to get the vaccine when you get the ticket or call by scheduling a vaccine appointment.

NOTE: Please wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is not known if getting the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine will affect how each vaccine works.

News coverage of Tuesday’s vaccine delivery at Airport Way:

COVID Testing Hours for Christmas and New Year’s Day

We are anticipating a reduction in demand on the upcoming holidays. As a result, COVID Testing hours will be reduced for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Operational Hours will be 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All COVID testing will continue to be appointed and use the existing process.

NWP 365 Podcast Episodes

Episode 117 | Dr. Dacones speaks to Dr. Spindel about COVID-19, quarantine rules, long-haul symptoms, and vaccine updates.

Today is the Deadline to Submit Your Holiday Song about Safety

The talent and creativity displayed in the submissions we’ve received is amazing! But we must make this a wrap. If you have an idea for reworking the lyrics of a holiday song with an important messages about mask-wearing, social distancing, or staying home, record it and send it to COVID19NW@kp.org by the end of the day today.

A video highlighting submitted songs will be shared on Tuesday to spread holiday cheer and inspire safety next week.

To get you in the spirit, check out Heather Lemson’s, Executive Assistant, Hospice and Palliative Care Programs, personalized safety rendition of the holiday favorite, Jingle Bell Rock.

Situation Update

Note: we are working to revise the situation table to ensure it captures the most relevant, timely information. Look for a refreshed format soon.

This data is current as of December 15. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 15 Huddle Card

December 15, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Live Audio Broadcast Today
  • KPNW Receives Its First Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccine Today
  • NEW COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
  • Change to N95 Guidance
  • Weekly KPNW COVID-19 Trends
  • Situation Update

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast today from 12:10 p.m. to 1 p.m. 

Get the latest COVID-19 updates from the KPNW Regional Command Center:

  • Vaccine – Prepare for Distribution + Answers to Recent Questions
  • Clinician/Employee Health – COVID-19 Exposure, Quarantine, Return to Work
  • Hospital Team Nursing Approach – Model, Roles, Triggers, and Training

Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics. For more information, review the audio broadcast flyer

Oregon Health Authority Announces: First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Arrive in Oregon; First KPNW Shipment Arrives at Airport Way Lab this Morning

State kicks off massive immunization campaign as health facilities begin receiving new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

The shipments follow a U.S. Food and Drug Administration decision on Friday to issue an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was found in Phase 3 clinical trials to be 95% effective and, in most people, cause only mild to moderate, short-lived side effects.

The OHA’s announcement notes that Legacy received the vaccine yesterday, with our KP Airport Way Lab and OHSU to follow today.

Governor Kate Brown says “In recent weeks, as COVID-19 vaccines reached the final stages of approval, I have said time and again that hope is on the way. Today, I can tell you that help is here.”

NEW COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

As noted above, KPNW is receiving our first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. Appointing has already begun for some employees and clinicians who work in the hospital with COVID-19+ or suspected COVID-19+ patients. Vaccination is expected to begin this Friday, December 18. More employees and clinicians will receive the vaccine as more supplies become available. you will receive a scheduling ticket when it is your turn. For the latest updates, please review the new FAQs.

Change to N95 Guidance

For patients who are asymptomatic, undergoing AGPs and have tested negative, N-95s are recommended/highly suggested, rather than optional as previously noted. (This change comes following updates from OHA).

There is no change for required N-95 use for AGPs in:

  • COVID positive patients
  • PUIs
  • Patients whose test status is unknown or pending

Weekly KPNW COVID-19 Trends

This week’s COVID-19 trends from KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented on Friday, December 11:

  • Anticipated Surge Timing: Based on observed data patterns, we expect multiple surges through late January (with higher hospitalization census possibly into mid-Feb. 2021).
  • Hospital Census for both KPNW and for the Oregon has been stable for the last week. Taken together with falling case rates, lower R effective, and flatter forecasts may indicate that we have passed the Thanksgiving surge.
  • Recent OR & WA state restrictions have been working, but we are anticipating another increase around the December holidays, with gatherings, travel, and college student returning.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 3% from last week to this week (46.4 to 45.0). ADC forecast for this week is 48 by Dec 17 (w. error). Forecast is still increasing trend from early Nov but may be at a temporary plateau.
  • ICU use is up in December compared with October and November. Though December 10th ICU census is 23% of hospital census, compared with 17% in October and 9% in November.
  • KPNW COVID+ cases weekly average was down 13% from last week to this week (204 to 177). Forecast for this week is 214 cases by Dec 17 (w. error).  

New QR Code Provides Easy Access to COVID-19 Updates

In response to an employee suggestion a QR code was created, making it convenient for KPNW employees to access COVID-19 updates using a mobile phone. Tip: Scan the code now (or save a copy) and bookmark the web page for convenient access to the huddle card and emails from our senior leaders concerning COVID-19.

Help get the word out by printing and posting this flyer (attached) in employee break areas, and especially in areas where employees do not have access to computers.

The QR code is for internal use only. Guide members to kp.org/coronavirus for the latest COVID-19 care and testing information.

Situation Update

Note: we are working to revise the situation table to ensure it captures the most relevant, timely information. Look for a refreshed format in the near future.

This data is current as of December 13. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Words from Our Members

“I was pleasantly surprised by how well the video visit experience was. I also appreciate that Kaiser staff can work remotely for this type of work. It reduces their exposure while still allowing people like me to get needed treatment. This technology needs to stay in place after COVID-19 has been controlled.”

COVID-19 UPDATE | December 11 Huddle Card

December 11, 2020

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • First KPNW Clinicians and Staff to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine December 18, and
  • UPDATE | Send Us Your Song about Safety – Adding Guidelines.

Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center

Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, December 15, from 12:10 p.m. to 1 p.m. 

Get the latest COVID-19 updates from the KPNW Regional Command Center:

  • Vaccine – Prepare for Distribution + Answers to Recent Questions
  • Clinician/Employee Health – COVID-19 Exposure, Quarantine, Return to Work
  • Hospital Team Nursing Approach – Model, Roles, Triggers, and Training

Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics. For more information, review the audio broadcast flyer

Situation Update

This data is current as of December 9. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

First KPNW Clinicians and Staff to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine December 18

KPNW expects to receive our first limited number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine next week. Appointing begins today, Friday, December 11, for 975 employees and clinicians who work in the hospital with COVID-19+ or suspected COVID-19+ patients. Vaccination is expected to begin December 18. Those employees prioritized in this first round and their managers will receive more detailed instructions. We will include more employees and clinicians as more doses become available. This is a promising development in our fight against the virus. As always, safety is our top priority, and we will follow rigorous safety standards.

UPDATE | Send Us Your Song about Safety – Adding Guidelines

As posted earlier, we are encouraging employees to rework the lyrics of a holiday song with important messages about mask-wearing, social distancing, or staying home, and then record yourself or someone else performing your hit! Send it to COVID19NW@kp.org for a chance to be included in a montage video and viewed at huddles, on insideKP, and social and news media to inspire community support.

In addition to some iPhone video recording tips, here is some additional guidance you may find helpful:

  • Do not include PHI.
  • Make sure the message (words, music, and visuals) are in alignment with all KP policies and procedures, including mask-wearing, social-distancing, and handwashing.
  • After submitting your video, it becomes the property of Kaiser Permanente and can only be shared / posted by the Communications Department.
  • If the Communications Department selects your video for external distribution, you will be asked to sign a standard authorization form.

Today’s holiday safety song is from Patricia Kitchen, Junior Buyer – Strategic Sourcing, who provides her take on the classic, “O Tannenbaum.”

It’s Not too Late to Protect Yourself with a Flu Shot

Through December 31, Kaiser Permanente members can get a flu shot at nearby retail pharmacies — at no cost. Visit Kp.org to find a retail pharmacy location near you. View more employee flu vaccination options.

Heroes Recognition Award Program to Pause

The Heroes Recognition Award program, which recognizes individuals and teams for outstanding performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, is taking a break for the holidays. Rest assured you’ll be able to nominate your heroes once again in 2021 when the program returns bigger and better than ever! We’ll communicate updates as they become available. Read more on insideKP.