Category: Covid-19

For immediate release: September 9, 2022 (22-136)

Contact: DOH Communications

OLYMPIA The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has announced updated guidance around COVID-19 at-home testing, including changes to how self-testing results should be reported and additional information about COVID-19 treatment. The full guidance is available on the DOH website.

As part of the guidance update, Washingtonians are now being asked to report all positive at-home test results through the Say Yes! COVID Test Digital Assistant, even if those testing kits were not obtained through the Say Yes! COVID Test (SYCT) program. Previously, those wishing to report positive test results were instructed to contact the Washington State DOH COVID-19 Hotline. While the hotline will remain in service, its primary focus is being shifted to Care Connect Services that provide additional support for those in need who have recently tested positive.

While the White House recently announced a pause to the federal program that previously provided free at-home COVID-19 tests, the Say Yes! COVID Test program continues to offer up to 10 free tests to Washington households each month on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Say Yes! COVID Test program recently celebrated surpassing 10 million tests distributed throughout the state since the programs inception in January 2022. New allocations of tests are available at the beginning of each month and can be ordered on the Say Yes! COVID Home Test website.

The widespread availability and use of rapid home tests helped Washingtonians take swift action to seek treatment for themselves and protect others from infection in the wake of more transmissible COVID-19 subvariants, said Lacy Fehrenbach, Chief of Prevention, Safety, and Health. We encourage every family to have at-home tests on hand with the start of school and approaching fall respiratory virus season. By reporting results through the SYCT digital assistant, Washingtonians can help public health understand the burden and trajectory of infections in Washington state.

Washington residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are in need of assistance with isolation, such as food, personal care kits, or other needs, can still contact the WA DOH COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-525-0127 to report positive test result and ask to speak with Care Connect, or reach out to a Care Connect hub. Those not in need of additional assistance should proceed with reporting positive cases via the SYCT portal.

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Department of Health Announces Updated At-home COVID-19 Testing Guidance | Washington State Department of Health - Washington State Department of...

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Thursday, September 8, 2022

Funded through the RADx Tech program, new tests should feature improved accessibility and performance.

The National Institutes of Health has issued two new funding opportunities for diagnostic test manufacturers to develop the next generation of COVID-19 tests, with a major focus on accessibility. The funding opportunities are part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Tech program, managed by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). The new programs may award up to $300 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to support the accelerated development of tests and provide regulatory guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The first solicitation is for accessible over-the-counter tests that can be used by people with disabilities, specifically blindness, low vision, fine motor skill difficulties, and aging-related disabilities. Products should be ready for commercialization in 12-24 months. The second solicitation focuses on improving performance of over-the-counter and point-of-care tests as well as integrating universal design features to ensure ease of use. Tests should aim to minimize or eliminate the need for serial testing and performance should be unaffected by variants. Products should be ready for commercialization in 24-36 months.

This effort builds on a highly successful program that has increased the United States testing capacity by billions in the span of two years and compressed the technology development timeline from years to months. Applications can be submitted starting September 20, 2022.

NIBIB Director Bruce Tromberg, Ph.D., who leads the RADx Tech program, is available for comment.

To arrange an interview, contact nibibpress@mail.nih.gov or call 301-496-3500.

The Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Program is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

About the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative:The RADx initiative was launched on April 29, 2020, to speed innovation in the development, commercialization, and implementation of technologies for COVID-19 testing. The initiative has four programs: RADx Tech, RADx Advanced Technology Platforms, RADx Underserved Populations and RADx Radical. It leverages the existing NIHPoint-of-CareTechnology Research Network. The RADx initiative partners with federal agencies, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, Department of Defense, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Learn more about theRADx initiative and its programs.

About the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB):NIBIBs mission is to improve health by leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. The Institute is committed to integrating the physical and engineering sciences with the life sciences to advance basic research and medical care. NIBIB supports emerging technology research and development within its internal laboratories and through grants, collaborations, and training. More information is available at theNIBIB website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIHTurning Discovery Into Health

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NIH seeks the next generation of COVID-19 diagnostics - National Institutes of Health (.gov)

So many health conditions seem tied to or impacted by COVID-19, and cholesterol is no exception.

This article will provide more detail on this connection between cholesterol and COVID-19 and how ones cholesterol levels may impact the risks of severe illness and complications from COVID-19.

Cholesterol is a waxy and fat-like substance in your body. Its important for things like making cell membranes and producing certain hormones and vitamins.

Experts have observed changes in cholesterol levels in people with COVID-19. Specifically, levels of LDL-C, HDL-C, and total cholesterol become lower when a person has COVID-19.

According to a 2022 research article, various other viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can lead to similar findings. Some examples of other viruses that can lead to altered cholesterol levels include:

Experts currently do not know how COVID-19 leads to lower cholesterol levels. Overall, experts believe that increases in inflammation during infection impact various pathways associated with cholesterol production, transport, and metabolism in the body.

With COVID-19, the extent of a drop in cholesterol levels can link with illness severity. A 2022 research review found that upon hospital admission, people with severe COVID-19 had lower levels of:

According to researchers, HDL-C has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties. So, its possible that a steep drop in HDL-C during COVID-19 may increase the risk of problems due to high levels of inflammation and blood clots.

Although cholesterol has important functions in the body, too much of it can be harmful. When theres too much cholesterol in your blood, you usually have high cholesterol.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 38% of adults in the United States have high cholesterol. As such, you may be wondering if having high cholesterol increases your risk of getting COVID-19.

Currently, high cholesterol isnt on the CDCs list of conditions that increase the risk of COVID-19. However, several conditions that often happen along with high cholesterol are, including:

A 2021 study found that higher body mass index and cholesterol linked with COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The researchers suggested that this finding could be one reason why areas of the world with high occurrences of obesity and high cholesterol have seen more COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Another 2021 study used data from the UK Biobank to look at the effect of cholesterol on COVID-19 susceptibility. After their analysis, the researchers found that having higher total cholesterol linked with increased COVID-19 susceptibility.

Cholesterol is present in the membranes of the cells in the body. As such, its possible that higher cholesterol increases susceptibility to COVID-19 by promoting viral entry into host cells.

A 2021 study investigated this idea. In a laboratory, experts loaded cell membranes with extra blood-derived cholesterol. Experts exposed the cell membranes to a test virus with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The researchers saw that infection was higher in cholesterol-loaded cells.

They suggested that since the virus more effectively infected cells with higher cholesterol, this may add another reason why COVID-19 can be more severe in older adults, as they may be more likely to have underlying medical conditions like high cholesterol.

A 2022 study also looked at the effect of cholesterol levels on the risk of developing COVID-19. The researchers found that having high levels of HDL-C linked with a lower risk of getting COVID-19.

Experts found the lowest level of risk in people that had high levels of HDL-C and low levels of LDL-C.

Unlike the other studies discussed, other types of cholesterol, like total cholesterol and LDL-C, werent independently associated with the risk of developing COVID-19.

Long COVID is a collection of symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years after you have COVID-19. People with long COVID can experience a wide variety of symptoms. A few examples include:

Having COVID-19 can change cholesterol levels. But do some people continue to have altered cholesterol levels even after they recover from COVID-19?

A 2021 study followed up with people who had come to the hospital for COVID-19 after 3 to 6 months. Compared with their levels at admission, both LDL-C and HDL-C levels improved significantly at the follow-up appointment.

Having high cholesterol may actually increase your risk of long COVID as well as prolonged symptoms from other non-COVID illnesses. At least thats according to a 2022 study.

The study involved people with a wide spectrum of COVID-19 severity, from asymptomatic individuals to those with long COVID. It also included people who tested negative for COVID-19, but had prolonged COVID-like symptoms.

Researchers looked at different blood biomarkers. Unhealthy lipid levels, including cholesterol, linked with a longer symptom duration for those who had tested positive for COVID-19 and those with other similar illnesses.

COVID-19 vaccines can be great tools in preventing serious illness and death due to COVID-19. However, given the information about COVID-19 and cholesterol, you may be wondering if the COVID-19 vaccine can impact cholesterol levels as well.

Theres currently one 2021 case report of altered lipid levels after vaccination. In it, a person experienced high triglyceride levels after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

However, the catch is that this individual had an inheritable condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, in which levels of LDL-C greatly increase.

Theres currently no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine impacts cholesterol levels in the general population.

COVID-19 can lead to a drop in cholesterol levels. The extent of this drop connects with illness severity. Most peoples cholesterol levels rise again after they recover.

Having high cholesterol may increase your risk of getting COVID-19 and of having long COVID. As such, consider taking measures to prevent illness, such as staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.

High cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can have serious consequences, such as heart attack and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, work with your doctor to manage it.

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High Cholesterol and COVID-19: What's the Connection? - Healthline

DENVER (KDVR) Colorado Gov. Jared Polis extended the COVID-19 disaster declaration in the state back in August, which allows the state to be nimble in responding to the pandemic and access state and federal funds for combating the virus.

That order is set to expire on Sept. 16, a week from Friday.

The order states, Together, these directives ensure agency access to State and federal funding, enable the State to continue COVID-19 response and recovery activities, and ensure the State can execute rapid procurement processes when needed to respond to the changing COVID-19 environment due to variants and stressors on our health care system.

A spokesperson for the governors office said, The Recovery Order is in place primarily to suspend the Medicaid eligibility statutes, which is needed for Colorado to continue to access additional federal Medicaid funding for eligibility which provides healthcare to 200,000 Coloradans.

We are still under the disaster declaration here in CO for expanded Medicaid eligibility without the EO, we would be back to statutory eligibility under CO law which is more narrow than what the federal government currently allows during the pandemic, the spokesperson said.

Colorado is not the last state in the country with some type of active COVID-19 emergency order in place, but it is in the minority in this stage of the pandemic.

The National Academy for State Health Policy tracks public health orders in all 50 states across the country. While the group lists 14 states that still have public health orders in effect outlining some degree of state emergency, a handful of those orders have already expired.

Colorado is one of 10 states with orders still in effect. Five states, including Colorado, will have public health emergencies expire in the month of September, according to NASHP.

Just because a public health emergency is set to expire doesnt mean it cant be extended or brought back. Polis ended all COVID-19 emergency health orders in July 2021 but signed further executive orders to focus on Colorados recovery, extending the public health emergency. It came at a time when cases were at a relative all-time low, after the first wave of vaccinations.

Months later, the delta variant drove up hospitalizations, and months after that, omicron infected more Coloradans than ever before with the virus.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced the states emergency order will expire at the end of October.

The Governor is reviewing the current order and conditions in the State and will determine next week whether to extend the EO again, the spokesperson said in a statement to FOX31.

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When will Colorado end the COVID-19 disaster declaration? - FOX 31 Denver

Top House Democrats requested an investigation into airline companies use of pandemic funds on Thursday, following weeks of thousands of flights across the getting canceled and delayed.

In a letter to Deputy Inspector General of the Treasury Richard Delmar, Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said that they were concerned that federal funds may have been used to pay for buyouts and early retirement packages for pilots.

We are concerned that some airlines have used federal funds obtained during the pandemic to provide buyouts and early retirement packages for pilots, which may be exacerbating a shortage of commercial pilots, the pair wrote.

The airline industry received more than $60 billion in pandemic-related funds from the CARES Act signed into law by former President Trump in 2020, according to the lawmakers. The funding was meant to keep workers on the payroll while COVID-19 mitigation efforts, such as lockdowns, curfews and travel bans remained in place.

But several airlines cut a large portion of their workforce and urged employees to retire early, they said. At the same time, the airlines benefitted from record high revenues, they continued.

American taxpayers supported the airline industry during its darkest days at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Americans deserve transparency into how airlines have used the federal funds they have received.

Maloney and Clyburn contended that these reported buyouts and early retirements have contributed to a pilot shortage, thus exacerbating flight issues for travelers.

These early retirement programs exacerbated an existing pilot shortage within the airline industry, since by law pilots must retire at age 65, they said.

Millions of travelers have been impacted by widespread flight delays and cancellations, with the pilot shortage being a major contributing factor

Maloney and Clyburn also pointed to earlier reports from the Treasurys Office of the Inspector General which found issues with the airlines payroll calculations used to determine how much pandemic-related funding they received.

Under the Trump Administration, Treasury allowed aviation contractors to layoff thousands of workers while still receiving full payroll support based on pre-pandemic workforce numbers, the Democratic lawmakers noted.

Struggling with staffing shortages, particularly among pilots, airlines havecanceled and delayed thousands of flightson major travel weekends,frustrating passengers and leading to a rise in complaints.

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Maloney, Clyburn request investigation into airlines use of COVID-19 relief funds - The Hill

The last two flu seasons in the U.S. were mercifully mildone of the few silver linings of the pandemic, as COVID-19 mitigation measures likely also prevented many cases of influenza.

But our luck may run out this year. Australia, which often serves as an (imperfect) predictor of whats to come for the U.S., has had its worst flu season in half a decade this year, CNN reports. Flu season also started early in Australia this year, another possible harbinger of whats to come in the Northern Hemisphere.

Dr. Alicia Fry, chief of the epidemiology and prevention branch within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) influenza division, cautions that if youve seen one flu season, youve seen one flu seasonmeaning the virus is unpredictable and guesses about it arent always accurate. Whether it will be a severe season or a mild season, or what to expect, or what viruses might circulatethat we really just dont know, Fry says.

Nonetheless, there are some factors that could set up the U.S. for a more serious flu season this year, says Dr. Brandon Webb, an infectious disease specialist at Utahs Intermountain Medical Center. Flu season severity varies quite a bit from year to year, depending on factors including immunity in the population and which influenza strain is circulating. Individuals who get influenza the year prior probably carry over some incomplete or partial immunity, Webb explains. Since few people got infected during the past two flu seasons, were looking at globally, and especially in the U.S., record low community immunity levels to influenza.

The relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation measures like masking, social distancing, and remote working and schooling could also allow influenza to spread as it did before the pandemic, Fry says.

Read More: You Can Still Get Long COVID If Youre Vaccinated and Boosted

The possibility of a heavy flu season colliding with the still widely circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus is concerning for the health care system, Webb says. If we have even a moderate-to-high influenza season that generates 300,000 or 400,000 hospitalizations and are also having to deal with a fall or winter COVID wave, that could put a strain on hospital systems around the country, he says.

The best thing for individuals to do is get vaccinated sooner rather than later, Fry says.

On Sept. 1, federal health officials recommended that people 12 and older get a new bivalent COVID-19 booster, which targets currently circulating Omicron variants. The updated shots are available to adolescents, teenagers, and adults who are at least two months out from their last COVID-19 vaccine dose (though some experts recommend waiting a bit longer). Meanwhile, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October.

If a person wants to get both at the same time, they can, Fry says. In a Sept. 6 press briefing, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha concurred. I really believe this is why God gave us two armsone for the flu shot and the other one for the COVID shot, he said.

Someday, it may be even easier to get dual protection against COVID-19 and the flu. Vaccine makers Moderna and Novavax are working on shots that would target both viruses in a single injection. Its not clear if or when these combination shots might be available, but their development offers a glimpse into what living with both COVID-19 and influenza may look like moving forward.

Many unknowns remain about even this years looming flu season. Webb recommends keeping an eye on both COVID-19 and influenza rates and taking precautions accordingly. People at higher risk for severe respiratory disease, including elderly people and those with underlying conditions, might want to consider wearing a mask in crowded settings.

At least one thing makes Webb optimistic about this years flu season: Despite all the talk of pandemic fatigue, he thinks theres been a cultural shift in the way people manage infectious diseases.

People are, in general, much more aware now about the importance of infection control, Webb says. I would hope that we have a different culture in terms of recognizing that when youre ill, its best to stay home.

More Must-Read Stories From TIME

Write to Jamie Ducharme at jamie.ducharme@time.com.

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Flu Season May Collide with COVID-19 This Fall and Winter | Time - TIME

Many studies have been conducted to determine treatment options to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Significant attention has been given to the role of vitamin D in preventing and treating COVID-19. Several preclinical studies have indicated that vitamin D metabolites play important roles in immune responses to respiratory viruses.

Moreover, low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) have been observed to increase the risk of acute respiratory infections. A recent meta-analysis suggested that vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of respiratory infections compared to a placebo.

Serious cases of COVID-19 have been associated with uncontrolled activation of immune cells, increased inflammation, and excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, ensuring sufficient levels of vitamin D and these fatty acids can serve as a cost-effective way to prevent serious COVID-19 as well as SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Cod liver oil is a low-dose vitamin D supplement comprising docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Taking cod liver oil during winter is a long tradition in Norway to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) aimed to analyze whether cod liver oil could prevent serious COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection, or other acute respiratory infections during the winter of 2020-2021.

The study was a parallel group treatment, randomized, two-armed, and quadruple masked trial consisting of participants who were 18 years of age and above, had a Norwegian personal identity number, as well as access to the secure national digital governmental identification service. Randomization of participants took place in a 1:1 ratio to take placebo or cod liver oil with a daily dodge of 5 ml. Both the placebo and cod liver oil underwent blind testing by an experienced taste panel who were unable to distinguish between the two.

Randomization was performed without stratification or blocking at the Department of Research Support, Oslo University Hospital. The collection, storage, and analysis of data were also carried out by The University of Oslo.

Participants were required to complete baseline questionnaires that included questions on personal data, vitamin D, and others before they received either the placebo or cod liver oil. They were followed up after six months on compliance with the intervention, SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, acute respiratory infections, and experience of any side effects.

Compliance was described as strict if more than 5ml of placebo or cod liver oil was taken for more than 2 to 3 months. Compliance was described as loose if more than 1 ml of placebo or cod liver oil was taken for about a month or taken more than one day a week. The side effects were graded and categorized as per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE).

An assessment of four co-primary endpoints was carried out. The first was a positive SARS-CoV-2 oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab test detected by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction at a Norwegian lab and reported to the Mandatory Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS). The second endpoint was the occurrence of serious COVID-19 that was associated with admission to the hospital or death. The third endpoint was the occurrence of participants with one or more negative SARS-CoV-2 test results recorded in MSIS. The fourth endpoint was the occurrence of participants who reported one or more acute respiratory infections.

The number of participants admitted to the hospital or intensive care unit for COVID-19 comprised the predefined secondary endpoint. Exploratory endpoints comprised self-reported changes in blood levels of 25(OH)D3 and omega 3 index, blinding of the study supplement, and side effects. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and during supplementation for analysis of the levels of omega-3 fatty acids and 25(OH)D3. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 antibody analysis was carried out at baseline.

The results indicated that a total of 34,741 participants were included in the study, where more than half of the participants were women, had a mean age of 44.9 years, and had a body mass index of 26.1 at baseline. Seventeen thousand two hundred seventy-eight participants were given cod liver oil, while 17,323 were given the placebo.

Most of the participants reported not using any vitamin D supplementation before the study, while 39.8% reported about 30 hours of sun exposure from July to October 2020, and 61.5% reported consumption of fatty fish. Moreover, 35.6% were found to have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

A total of 455 participants reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result with equal distribution between the place and cod liver oil groups. Serious COVID-19 was reported by 101 participants in the placebo group and 121 participants in the cod liver oil group. A total of 17 participants were hospitalized, out of which eight were in the intensive care unit. Moreover, the relative risk of serious COVID-19 was observed to be 1.20 for the cod liver oil group compared to the placebo group.

Furthermore, 17,111 participants were found to show one or more negative SARS-CoV-2 test results whose distribution was similar in both the groups, while 7,798 participants reported one or more acute respiratory infections. Analysis of blood samples revealed only slightly increased concentrations of 25(OH)D3 in the cod liver oil group compared to the placebo group. The mean concentration of 25(OH)D3 was found to be increased by 15.0 nmol/L, while the omega-3 index was increased by 1.9%.

Eleven point 3 percent and 10.1% of participants in the placebo and cod liver oil group, respectively, reported one or more side effects, with mild gastrointestinal symptoms belonging to CTCAE grade 1 being the most common side effect. Grade 2 side effects were more often observed in the placebo group. Finally, 7616 participants in the placebo group and 7220 in the cod liver group did not know which supplementation they were taking or believed to take the placebo, while 1,058 in the placebo group and 1,966 in the cod liver oil group believed to take the cod liver oil supplementation.

Therefore, the current study demonstrated that a low dose supplementation of vitamin D along with docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid for six months was not suitable for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections, serious COVID-19, and other acute respiratory infections. However, the intake of this supplementation produced only low-grade side effects.

The current study has certain limitations. First, self-reported end-point data could introduce bias. Second, the intervention time was relatively short, and the longer effects of cod liver oil could not be evaluated. Third, the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids could not be distinguished. Fourth, the effect of vitamin D on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 could not be evaluated at the start of the trial. Finally, the number of participants included in the trial was lower than the expected number.

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Can cod liver oil supplementation prevent COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections? - News-Medical.Net

Background and aim: Physicians need to be aware of the difficulties that SARS-CoV-2 infection brings to other regions of the body, such as the kidneys, even though the key emphasis is on pulmonary characteristics.The most frequent kidney complication among COVID-19 hospitalized patients is considered acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to describe overall different aspects of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients admitted to JLNMCH during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the prevalence of AKI among COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Methods and materials: All adult patients (over the age of 18 years) who screened positive for COVID-19 in a swab specimen from areas ofnasopharyngealby reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactionand then hospitalized were included in the study. Information was gathered on the patient's demographics, general medical history, and drugs prescribed. From past medical information, associated comorbiditiesand home pharmaceuticals were identified. We gathered hospitalization information, such as duration of stay in ICU, details about the application ofmechanical ventilation, information regardingextracorporeal membrane aeration, details of the use ofvasopressor administration, and baselineresults of laboratory test along withbaseline clinical information during 48 hours of hospitalization.

Results: The percentage of patients with no history of AKI requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 79.4%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 11.5%. The difference was relevant statistically (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with AKI of any stage requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 22.8%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 76.8%. The difference was relevant statistically (p<0.022).

Conclusion: We discovered that AKI was a rather typical finding among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 had a poor prognosis if they developed AKI.

The COVID-19 virus has spread globally. The reason there have been so many confirmed cases is that the virus spreads through close contact between people who coughand sneeze while exchanging droplets or aerosols. Engaging on infected surfaces and subsequently touching transmission points like the areas ofmouth, areas ofeyes, and areas ofnose can also result in infection [1,2]. The completerespiratory organ system isthe principal organ systemaffected by COVID-19 infection, which inextreme situations manifests as conditions of pneumonia, hypoxemia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Physicians need to be aware of the difficulties that SARS-CoV-2 infection brings to other regions of the body, such as the kidneys, even though the key emphasis is on pulmonary characteristics.The most frequent kidney complication among COVID-19 hospitalized patients is acute kidney injury considered asAKI [3,4].

SARS-CoV-2 is usually anRNA virus that spreads through mouth and nasal secretions, as well as through tiny droplets created by coughing. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) conductedon respiratory samples acquired by making a swab ofthe areas of nasopharynxis the usual method of diagnosis. Diverse clinical presentations are possible, including multi-organ failure, mortality, moderate upper respiratory tract disease symptoms, and catastrophic acute breathing distress condition [5,6]. SARS-CoV-2 exploits angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) to attack numerous organs outside the lungs. One of COVID-19's primary targets in the human bodyis the kidney.AKIis regarded as a measure of the severity of diseaseand a poor prognostic variableforpatients' survival inCOVID-19 conditions [7,8]. Patients who were diagnosed with severe AKI, which was defined as stage 3 or greater in accordance with the recommendations of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), showed a larger likelihood of passing away than those who were diagnosed with AKI stages 1 and 3 in COVID-19 patients who were impacted by AKI. An increased risk of AKI may occur in individuals who have chronic diseases of the kidney, particularly those suffering from diabetic nephropathy, due to an already present increasedregulation of enzymeACE and reducedregulation ofACE-2 [9].

We saw an incredible amount of patients who experiencedAKI, at a significantly higher frequencythan those reported from China, when we managed patients suffering fromCOVID-19. According to early data from China and Italy, the rate of AKI can range between 0.5% and29%, with many of these estimates falling between these two extremes [10,11].

Clinical data includeonly critically ill ICU patients showingan overall19%risk of AKI. Variationscould be a consequence of the differentpopulations investigated and the criteria of AKI used. Beyond the rate, there hasn't been much written about AKI in COVID-19; for instance, there aren't many details of the chronology, urine tests, connection tofailure of respiratory system, in-depth analyses of the needs for renal replacement therapy for renal replacement, risk variables, or consequences afterAKI [12,13].

In this research, we wanted to describe overall different aspects of the experience of AKI in this population of COVID-19patients and to determine the prevalence of AKI among COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

This was a retrospective study conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital during the COVID-19 epidemic, where Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital Review Board ethical approval with IRB number JLNMCH/2021/134 was taken. The hospital health record provided the information for this investigation. All adult patients (over the age of 18 years) who screened positive for COVID-19 in a swab specimen from areas of nasopharyngeal by RT-PCRand thenhospitalized were included in the study.Transfers of patients among institutions within the same health system were handled as a single hospital engagement.

Patients were disqualified if they had undergone a kidney transplant in the past, had suffered fromend-stage renal failure, were relocated to hospitals outside the healthcare system, or had serumlevels of serum creatinine that were below 2 at the time of admission. Before the study began, the study protocol was approved by the institutional review board.We obtainedpreliminary data on AKI as well as renal replacement therapy(RRT) from8000 COVID-19 patients who died or were discharged from our hospital.

KDIGO guidelineswere used to define AKI in the following manner: stage 1 involves an elevationincreatinine level in serumof 0.3 mg/dl during 48 hor even a 1.5-foldto 1.9-fold elevation from values at baseline underseven days, stage 2 involves a 2.9-fold increase under seven days, and stage 3 involves an increment of three-foldor greaterwithin seven days or the start of RRT. Participants were divided into groups based on the maximum AKI stage they had reached while in the hospital.

By using creatinine equation developed by the ChronicDisease of KidneyEpidemiology Consortium, the estimated rate ofglomerular filtration was determined. Additionally, we gathered the findings of computerized microscopy urine analysisand urine electrolytes tests that were performed within 24 hor 48 hfollowing the onset of AKI. There was no way for this investigation to determine if a urethral catheter was in place.

The emergence of AKI was the main outcome. Hospital disposition includingdischarge of the patient from hospitalor death and the requirement for RRT were secondary results. In our healthcare system, individuals with AKI could choose between interrupted hemodialysis and continuous CRRT as their RRT options.

We gathered information on the patient's demographics, general medical history, andprescribed drugs. From past medical information, associated comorbiditiesand home pharmaceuticals were identified. We gathered hospitalization information, such as duration of stay in ICU, details about the application ofmechanical ventilation, information regardingextracorporeal membrane aeration, details of the use ofvasopressor administration, and baselineresults of laboratory test along withbaseline clinical information during 48 hof hospitalization. Numerous extra ICUs were built in unconventional hospital sections and units as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, an ICU stay was determined as the requirement for intrusive mechanical breathing, the requirement for vasopressorsupport, the requirement for assistance from an ICU provider, or the requirement for treatment in a designated ICU location.

For continuous variables with a normally distributed distribution, we calculated means and standard deviations (SD) for without normal distribution variables, medians and interquartile ranges (IQR), and for explanatory data, the percentagewas used. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical parametersbetween individuals with AKIand without AKI, and the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate continuous variables. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate the clinical traits of individuals with various stages of AKI.

We used logistic regression analysis with accounting for risk factors that were different between individuals who got AKI compared to those who did not in order to determine risk factors related to the onset of AKI. Whenever the level of the risk factor was less than 0.15, variables were added to the models utilizing a stepwise construction process. A p-value of 0.05 or less was regarded as statistically significant for all two-sided statistical tests.

The mean age of study participants having no AKI was 60.3 0.05 years. The mean age of study participants having AKI of any stage was 70.1 0.13 years. Study participants having AKI stage 1 was 70.8 0.20 years, AKI stage 2 was 71.2 0.31, and AKI stage 3 was 68.1 0.24 years. The percentage of male in study participants having no AKI was 61.3%, having AKI any stage was 64.8%, having AKI stage 1 was 61.1%, having AKI stage 2 was 61.7%, and having AKI stage 3 was 71.5%. The percentage of female in study participants having no AKI was 41.9%, having AKI any stage was 37.4%, having AKI stage 1 was 41.1%, having AKI stage 2 was 42.6% and having AKI stage 3 was 26.8%(Table 1). AKI was significantly associated with old age and the male gender(Table 1).

The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of hypertension was as follows: no AKI (51.5%), AKI any stage (65.8%), AKI stage 1 (68.3%), AKI stage 2 (65.2%), and AKI stage 3 (62.6%). The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of coronary artery disease was as follows: no AKI (10.0%), AKI any stage (15.5%), AKI stage 1 (15.7%), AKI stage 2 (17.1%), and AKI stage 3 (14.1%). The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of heart failure was as follows: no AKI (5.1%), AKI any stage (11.4%), AKI stage 1 (13.1%), AKI stage 2 (11.5%), and AKI stage 3 (8.9%). The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of peripheral, vascular disease was as follows: no AKI (2.1%), AKI any stage (4.1%), AKI stage 1 (3.4%), AKI stage 2 (5.0%), and AKI stage 3 (4.4%).The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of diabetes was as follows: no AKI (31.2%), AKI any stage (43.7%), AKI stage 1 (41.8%), AKI stage 2 (42.3%), and AKI stage 3 (45.6%).The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of HIV was as follows: no AKI (0.9%), AKI any stage (0.7%), AKI stage 1 (0.8%), AKI stage 2 (1.1%), and AKI stage 3 (0.4%).The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was as follows: no AKI (4.5%), AKI any stage (8.7%), AKI stage 1 (10.2%), AKI stage 2 (9.3%), and AKI stage 3 (8.2%)(Table 2).

The values of SCr in mg/dl at the time of admission in different categories of COVID-19 patients were as follows: no AKI (0.97), AKI any stage (1.36), AKI stage 1 (1.38), AKI stage 2 (1.33), and AKI stage 3 (1.32). The values of SCr in mg/dl at the time of discharge in different categories of COVID-19 patients were as follows: no AKI (0.92), AKI any stage (1.52), AKI stage 1 (1.23), AKI stage 2 (1.59), and AKI stage 3 (4.46). The values of peak SCr in mg/dl in different categories of COVID-19 patients were as follows: no AKI (1.20), AKI any stage (2.61), AKI stage 1 (1.72), AKI stage 2 (2.35), and AKI stage 3 (5.42). The values of median SCr in mg/dl in different categories of COVID-19 patients were as follows: no AKI (0.97), AKI any stage (1.31), AKI stage 1 (1.15), AKI stage 2 (1.21), and AKI stage 3 (2.16).The values of eGFR at admission expressed in ml/min/1.73 m2 in different categories of COVID-19 patients were as follows: no AKI (83.6), AKI any stage (57.1), AKI stage 1 (55.3), AKI stage 2 (54.2), and AKI stage 3 (63.1). The values of eGFR at discharge was expressed in ml/min/1.73 m2 in different categories of COVID-19 patients were as follows: no AKI (95.1), AKI any stage (46.1), AKI stage 1 (70.1), AKI stage 2 (51.0), and AKI stage 3 (15.1) (Table 3).

There was an analysis regarding the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in different categories of COVID -19 patients. The percentage of patients with no history of AKI requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 79.4%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 11.5%. The difference was statistically relevant (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with AKI of any stage requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 22.8%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 76.8%. The difference was statistically relevant (p<0.022). The percentage of patients with AKI stage 1 requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 16.4%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 24.4%. The difference was not statistically relevant (p<0.062). The percentage of patients with AKI stage 2 requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 4.3%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 22.0%. The difference was statistically relevant (p<0.052). The percentage of patients with AKI stage 3 requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 2.7%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 44.6%. The difference was statistically relevant(p<0.001). The percentage of patients with renal replacement therapy requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 0.3%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 24.3%. The difference was statistically relevant (p<0.001)(Table 4).

When there was analysis regarding factors associated with AKI in patients with COVID-19 then it was found that factors like old age, male gender, history of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, mechanical ventilation, use of vasoactive medication, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme-1 (ACE-1) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) were associated with AKI significantly(Table 5).

When we treated COVID-19 patients, we observed a staggering number of patients who had AKI, at a frequency that was noticeably higher than those reported from China. The rate of AKI can range from 0.5%to 29%, with many of these estimates falling between these two extremes, according to early data from China and Italy. Only critically sick ICU patients are included in clinical data, and the total risk of AKI is 19%. Variations may result from the many populations examined and the various AKI criteria applied [14,15].Except for the rate, not much has been written about AKI in COVID-19; for example, there are few details about the chronology, urine tests, connection to respiratory system failure, in-depth analyses of the needs for renal replacement therapy for renal replacement, risk factors, or consequences after AKI [16,17].

We aimed to find out the prevalence of AKI among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and describe the various general characteristics of AKI experience in this cohort of patients. KDIGO guidelineswere used to define AKI in the following manner: stage 1 involves an elevationincreatinine level in serumof 0.3 mg/dl during 48 hor even a 1.5-foldto 1.9-fold elevation from values at baseline underseven days, stage 2 involves a 2.9-fold increase under seven days, and stage 3 involves an increment of three-foldor greaterwithin seven days or the start of RRT. Participants were divided into groups based on the maximum AKI stage they had reached while in the hospital.

Thirty-four patients with AKI/CKD were admitted to JLNMCH, Bhagalpur, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 8000 patients with COVID-19 admitted in JLNMCH, 460 patients were admitted to ICU of which we had 34 patients who went for renal dialysis. Seven patients were of AKI and the rest was CKD. In patients with AKI, serum creatinine levels were found between seven and 16, while in patients with CKD, the level was between five and 12. Patients usually had a history of diabetes and hypertension in CKD while anuria was the major complaint of AKI. Hemoglobin level was markedly reduced in patients with CKD.

When there was analysis regarding factors associated with AKI in patients with COVID-19 then it was found that factors like old age, male gender, history of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, mechanical ventilation, use of vasoactive medication and use of ACE-1 or ARB were associated with AKI significantly.

In this study, the mean age of participants having no AKI was 60.3 0.05 years, participants having AKI of any stage was 70.1 0.13 years, participants having AKI stage 1 was 70.8 0.20 years, participants having AKI stage 2 was 71.2 0.31, and participants having AKI stage 3 was 68.1 0.24 years. The percentage of male study participants having no AKI was 61.3%, having AKI of any stage was 64.8%, having AKI stage 1 was 61.1%, having AKI stage 2 was 61.7%, and having AKI stage 3 was 71.5%. The percentage of female study participants having no AKI was 41.9%, having AKI any stage was 37.4%, having AKI stage 1 was 41.1%, having AKI stage 2 was 42.6%, and having AKI stage 3 was 26.8%(Table 1). AKI was significantly associated with old age and male gender.

In this study, there was an analysis regarding the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in different categories of COVID-19 patients. The percentage of patients with no history of AKI requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 79.4%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 11.5%. The difference was relevant statistically (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with AKI of any stage requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 22.8%, while the percentage of patients with no history of AKI not requiring traumatic mechanical ventilation was 76.8%. The difference was relevant statistically (p<0.022).

SARS-CoV-2 is typically an RNA virus that spreads by secretions from the mouth and nose as well as via microscopic droplets produced while coughing. The standard procedure for diagnosis uses RT-PCR on respiratory samples obtained by taking a swab from the nasopharynx. Multiple organ failure, death, mild upper respiratory tract disease symptoms, and severe acute breathing distress are just a few examples of the various clinical presentations that could occur [18,19]. SARS-CoV-2 attacks a variety of organs outside the lungs by taking advantage of the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2). The kidney is one of COVID-19's main targets in the human body. In the COVID-19 illness, AKI is viewed as a marker of disease severity and a poor predictor of patient survival [20,21]. According to KDIGO recommendations, patients with severe AKIdefined as stage 3 or aboveshowed a higher death rate than those with AKI stage 1 and AKI stage 3 in COVID-19 afflicted individuals with AKI. Due to an already existing elevated regulation of enzyme ACE and reduced regulation of enzyme ACE-2, patients with chronic illnesses of the kidney, particularly those suffering from diabetic nephropathy, may be at an increased risk of developing AKI [22,23].

Participants in the COVID-19 research who had a history of hypertension were more likely to have no AKI (51.5%), any stage of AKI (65.8%), stage 1 AKI (68.3%), stage 2 AKI (65.2%), and stage 3 AKI (62.6%). The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of coronary artery disease was as follows: no AKI (10.0%), AKI any stage (15.5%), AKI stage 1 (15.7%), AKI stage 2 (17.1%), and AKI stage 3 (14.1%). The percentage of COVID-19 study participants with history of heart failure was as follows: no AKI (5.1%), AKI any stage (11.4%), AKI stage 1 (13.1%), AKI stage 2 (11.5%), and AKI stage 3 (8.9%).

Every nation now has the COVID-19 virus. The virus spreads through close contact between people who cough, sneeze, or speak while exchanging droplets or aerosols, which is why there have been so many confirmed cases. Infection can also occur by interacting with infected surfaces and then touching transmission points like the mouth, eyes, and nose. The primary organ system impacted by COVID-19 infection is the respiratory system as a whole. In severe cases, this infection can cause pneumonia, hypoxemia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome [24,25]. Even though the pulmonary characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection are the main focus, doctors need to be mindful of the challenges that illness brings to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys. Acute kidney injury (AKI), often known as AKI, is the kidney symptom that hospitalized COVID-19 patients experience the most frequently [26].

Our study offers some advantages. This cohort of COVID-19 patients that are hospitalized and have an emphasis on AKI is now by far the largest. There are restrictions on this study. First, because itis observational research, we are unable to draw conclusions about the causal links between various levels ofexposure to AKI. Second, despite the fact that we have made adjustments for possible confounders, there can still be unmeasured confounders.

In conclusion, we discovered that AKI was a rather typical finding among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. It was a rare condition when COVID-19 individualsdid not need ventilation and were closely related to the incidence of respiratory failure. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients had a poor prognosis if they developed AKI. To further comprehend the causes of AKI including patient outcomes, more research will be required.

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Assessment of Kidney Involvement in COVID-19 Patient - Cureus

In a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers performed epidemiologic modeling to update coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated caregiver and parent loss estimates.

COVID-19associated deaths have left millions of children bereaved of their caregivers and parents across the globe. Caregiver and parent loss can lead to devastating long-term outcomes, including abuse, institutionalization, traumatic grief, adolescent pregnancy, poor educational outcomes, chronic infectious illnesses, and mental health problems.

While huge investments have been made to prevent COVID-19-associated mortality, little has been done for the care of bereft children. Investments to support orphans who lost their parents to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV AIDS) exemplify successful solutions that can be replicated for improving the lives of orphaned children due to COVID-19.

Inter- and intra-country comparisons have been hampered previously due to inconsistent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing, associated mortality reporting, and access to new data of excess COVID-19-associated mortality enable updating minimum COVID-19 death estimates of caregiver and parent loss.

In the present study, researchers provided an update on SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated caregiver and parent loss estimates.

Excess COVID-19 deaths-derived estimates were computed for bereft children in each nation, based on data provided by The Economist, IHME (institute for health metrics and evaluation), and the WHO (World Health Organization). COVID-19-associated deaths in previously used logistic models were substituted with excess COVID-19-associated deaths (with an exception for cases with negative excess deaths), and composite deaths were calculated for the periods between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021 and between 1 January 2020 and 1 May 2022.

Bootstrapping was performed to calculate uncertainty for death estimates arising from mortality and fertility data. National and regional death estimates were calculated based on WHO-based methodology since the WHO findings showed higher conservatism than those of The Economist and IHME. The study was conducted in accordance with the GATHER (guidelines for accurate and transparent health estimates reporting) guidelines.

By using WHO-based methods for excess COVID-19-associated mortality, the team estimated that 10,500,000 children were bereaved of their caregivers or parents, and 7,500,000 children were orphaned due to COVID-19 by 1 May 2022. Composite deaths reported by the Economist, IHME, and WHO by 31 December 2021 were 18, 18.3 and 15.6, respectively. The corresponding composite deaths through 1 April 2022 were 21.3, 20.5, and 17.5, respectively.

The estimated values for orphanhood and primary caregiver loss provided by the Economist, IHME, and WHO by 31 December 2021 were 9.7, 10.3, and 7.2, respectively. The corresponding values for orphanhood and primary caregiver loss by April 1, 2022, were 11.6, 11.2, and 7.9. respectively. The estimated values for orphanhood and loss of primary and/or secondary caregivers reported by The Economist, IHME, and WHO by 31 December 2021 were 12.3, 12.9, and 9.5, respectively. The corresponding values for orphanhood and primary and/or secondary caregiver loss by 1 April 2022 were 14.8, 14.1, and 10.5, respectively.

Greater numbers of COVID-19-associated orphanhoods due to loss of primary and/or secondary caregivers were noted in Southeast Asia WHO regions (41%) and Africa (24%), in comparison to the Eastern Mediterranean regions (15%), American regions (14%), Western Pacific regions (1.8%) and European regions (4.7%) by 1 May 2022. Likewise, national-level variations in death estimates were observed, and nations such as India, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan were affected the most through 1 May 2022, the death estimates for which were 3,490,000, 450,000, 430,000, and 410,000, respectively.

Among the most affected WHO regions in Southeast Asia, the highest counts of orphaned children were observed in nations such as India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, and Myanmar. The most affected regions in the African continent were the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Overall, the study findings showed that considerable SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated loss of parents and caregivers has occurred globally, warranting urgent care for orphaned children. Urgently required global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic can amalgamate equitable vaccinations with life-transforming programs for orphaned children.

However, epidemiological modeling estimates cannot provide a true picture of COVID-19-associated orphanhood as modeling estimates are not precise measures of the actual counts of bereaved children, and further SARS-CoV-2 pandemic surveillance programs must include such pediatric populations to help in mitigating the long-term adverse consequences of COVID-19-associated orphanhood.

The development of effective vaccines and anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic drugs must be accelerated, and the enforcement of COVID-19 containment measures could help prevent COVID-19-associated mortality of parents and caregivers. Bereaved children must be protected via economic aid, violence prevention, parenting aid, and increasing accessibility to schools and education.

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COVID-19s long-term impact on orphanhood and caregiver loss - News-Medical.Net

Grant Funding Ends December 31, 2022, With Renter Assistance Payment Amounts Cut as of October 1

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont electric utilities are alerting renters who are already receiving help through the Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) that their payments will be reduced as of October 1, 2022, and no payments will be available past December 31, 2022. Eligible renters who have not yet taken action need to apply now if they are struggling to pay existing and past bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal grant program has been critical to directly helping renters get through the lingering impacts of the pandemic.

The state has announced the last day to apply for assistance through VERAP is currently set for December 31, 2022, and any eligible amounts will only be covered for bills through the end of the year. In addition, on October 1, 2022, assistance will be reduced from 100% to 70% for all VERAP participants including existing renters and new applicants.

Rental customers who have past due balances and have not already applied are encouraged to apply right now through VERAP athttps://vtutilityhelp.comor 833-488-3727. Any customer should also reach out to their utility directly to set up a payment plan. Contact information is available at each of the utilities websites:

-Vermont Electric Co-Op,www.vermontelectric.coop

-Washington Electric Co-Op,www.washingtonelectric.coop

-Burlington Electric Department,www.burlingtonelectric.com

-Green Mountain Power,www.greenmountainpower.com

-Stowe Electric,www.stoweelectric.com

- Customers of Barton Electric Department, Enosburg Falls Electric Department, Hardwick Electric

Department, Jacksonville Electric Company, Johnson Water & Light Department, Ludlow Electric

Light Department, Lyndonville Electric Department, Morrisville Water & Light, Northfield

Electric Department, Orleans Electric Department, and Swanton Village Electric can

visitwww.vppsa.comfor utility contact information.

Vermont electric utilities have been working proactively to help customers throughout the pandemic. Any customer needing help should reach out as soon as possible to access available assistance. A program for homeowners, the Vermont Homeowners Assistance Program (https://vermonthap.vhfa.org/) currently remains open.

GMP and BED also have ongoing Energy Assistance Programs (EAP) for qualified low-income customers. GMP customers with past due balances can apply through the Department for Children and Families athttps://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/eap/GMP.BEDs Energy Assistance Program offers assistance to income-qualified customers in the form of a monthly bill credit of 12.5 percent, and customers can learn more athttps://burlingtonelectric.com/assistance.

MONTPELIER, Vt. Vermont utilities 9.9.2022

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Vermont utilities alerting renters that COVID-19 utility bill assistance is ending soon - Vermont Biz