From apta.org

COVID-19 Courses Available at the APTA Learning Center
Physical therapists interested in learning the latest in managing patients with or recovering from COVID-19 can access a variety of free courses in APTA's Learning Center.

From CDC

U.S. COVID-19 Cases Surpasses 31 Million, Deaths Reach 564,000
Total coronavirus cases have reached 31,484,148 as of April 20, according to the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker. A total of 564,292 people have died from the virus so far. Health care workers have administered 212 million vaccine doses to date.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Via Surfaces Is Low, Officials Say
In revised guidance, CDC states that, although it is possible to be infected through contact with contaminated surfaces, the primary mode of transmission of the virus is exposure to respiratory droplets.

In the Media

U.S. To Spend $1.7 Billion Tracking COVID-19 Variants as Dangerous New Strains Make Up Half of All Cases
From CNBC: "The Biden administration announced Friday it will allocate $1.7 billion toward tracking the highly infectious coronavirus variants that now pose a major threat to the United States’ fight against the pandemic. The funds, taken from the $1.9 trillion Covid relief plan signed into law last month, will be used to help improve the detection, monitoring, and mitigation of 'new and potentially dangerous strains,' the White House said in a press release."

Some Children With COVID-Related Syndrome Develop Neurological Symptoms
From New York Times: "A new report shows that a significant number of young people with (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) also develop neurological symptoms, including hallucinations, confusion, speech impairments and problems with balance and coordination. The study of 46 children treated at one hospital in London found that just over half — 24 — experienced such neurological symptoms, which they had never had before."

Hospitals Open Pediatric Long-Haul COVID Units as Children Grapple With Lingering Virus Effects
From CBS News: "At least five hospitals in the U.S. have started pediatric long-haul clinics to help kids with lingering COVID-19 illness as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mount a massive, nationwide study of long-haul COVID that includes children."

FCC Will Begin Accepting Applications for Its $250M COVID-19 Telehealth Program Starting April 29
From Fierce Healthcare: "The Federal Communications Commission has set a date for healthcare providers to submit applications for the second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which will distribute nearly $250 million to support telehealth services. The window opens at noon on April 29 and will last one week until May 6, 2021, according to the FCC."

New in Research

Physical Inactivity Associated With More Severe COVID-19 Outcomes
In a study of 48,440 adults published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that infected patients who consistently met physical activity guidelines were less likely to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes. Authors recommend that physical activity promotion be prioritized by public health agencies and incorporated into routine medical care.

CDC Researchers Find 31% of Children Hospitalized With COVID-19 Require ICU Care
In a JAMA Network Open study, authors write that 11.1% of children with COVID-19 required hospitalization, and a third of those required admission to the intensive care unit. They note an increased risk for severe symptoms in patients with at least one chronic condition, in children aged two to 11, and in boys.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Not Linked to Higher Incidence of VTE
Authors of a study in JAMA Internal Medicine write that 30 days after testing positive for COVID-19, individuals did not have a higher incidence of venous thromboembolism compared with the general population.