COVID-19: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Current Information On Actions States/Territories Have Taken To Address The COVID-19 Pandemic; As Well As Advocacy, Policy, And Guidance Documents For Protecting Public Health And The Economy.

Last Updated: May 17, 2021, 8:01 PM ET

Since the beginning of the pandemic, and the resulting economic slump, Governors have been directing their states’ resources where they are needed most and where they will achieve the greatest impact. As practical problem solvers, Governors are effectively delivering state services to protect public health and to stimulate economic recovery and growth.

The National Governors Association has provided platforms for Governors to communicate with each other and to easily follow what’s happening in other states across the country on a daily basis. We connect Governors and their key staff members with policy experts and thought leaders to help forge practical solutions to the challenges they face. Through our programs, we develop and share guidance so that Governors might find what works best to address the unique situations that arise in their states.

By accessing the best information, communicating with federal and local levels of government, and learning from each another, Governors are successfully meeting today’s pressing challenges.

Coronavirus in the U.S.

152,116,936 People Receiving 1 or More Vaccine Doses

32,753,426 TOTAL CASES
582,769 TOTAL DEATHS

Source: CDC

Johns Hopkins’ Worldwide Tracker

Featured Resources

State COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Governors of states and territories, working in close collaboration with local partners, have responsibility for a wide array of activities to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are effectively and equitably distributed and administered.

Phased Allocation Of COVID-19 Vaccines: State And Territorial Approaches

This table provides information on state and territorial plans for phased allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. As initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines is limited, Governors are focused on prioritizing certain high-risk populations for vaccine allocation through a transparent and equitable process.

COVID-19 Vaccines And Emerging Viral Variants

This issue brief provides an overview of current evidence about the safety and efficacy of Johnson & Johnson’s recently authorized vaccine and additional vaccine candidates anticipated to receive near-term emergency authorization from the FDA. The brief also addresses the effectiveness of existing and upcoming vaccines against emerging COVID-19 viral variants.

NGA State Coronavirus Action Network (SCAN) Calls
NGA is holding regular calls for states to hear from subject-matter experts, learn from their peers in other states, and discuss common challenges related to the coronavirus. These calls are only open to state personnel. For information on the next upcoming call, contact Brittney Roy or Carl Amritt.

Advocacy

All Policy Communications

Needs and Resource Matching

Many local, state and federal offices are working to fill supply gaps in health care resources, personal protective equipment, and other needs. Manufacturers across the United States are racing to fill those gaps and, in some cases, are re-engineering their processes to make items in short supply. The National Governors Association and the nation’s governors are working together to provide an online hub for businesses and other organizations with supplies or services to connect with states officials regarding critical needs.

NGA COVID-19 Policy and Guidance Documents

Phased Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccines: State and Territorial Approaches

COVID-19 Impacts on Justice-Involved Kids: Lessons Learned from States

This issue brief highlights lessons learned and several overarching strategies from 2020 COVID-19 pandemic response efforts that Governor’s offices and state officials can utilize to address this pandemic within the ...
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State-Driven Initiatives to Support Moving to Value-Based Care in the Era of COVID-19

This issue brief summarizes four key areas where state-driven strategies can standardize and streamline broader adoption of value-based payment models, supplemented by case examples and priority areas where additional federal ...
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Prioritizing Equity in COVID-19 Vaccinations

Promising Practices from States to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities (View/Download) introduction Systemic inequities underpin disparities in COVID-19 risk and disease burden among historically marginalized populations across the United States ...
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BALANCING MEDICAID BUDGETS AND SERVING STATE RESIDENTS DURING A PANDEMIC

This paper outlines key factors for Governors and state leaders to consider when balancing state budgets and making difficult decisions about funding Medicaid during the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent economic ...
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Governors’ Role in Promoting Disability Employment in COVID-19 Recovery Strategies

Because people with disabilities face disproportionate consequences of COVID-19, it will be critical to ensure adequate protections and supports are available to them in order to promote opportunities for safe ...
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Increasing Utilization of COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibodies: Considerations and Promising Practices for States

As Governors focus on vaccinating as many individuals as possible, COVID-19 antibody treatments will continue to play an important role in treating COVID-19 positive patients who are at high risk ...
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COVID-19 Vaccines and Emerging Viral Variants

The brief addresses the effectiveness of existing and upcoming vaccines against emerging COVID-19 viral variants and provides considerations for Governors. (View/Download) Introduction Vaccines are critical tools that can reduce COVID-19 ...
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Case Study: Building Strong Brains Tennessee

The COVID-19 pandemic may be increasing Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma and demonstrates the importance of responding to them at the state level. (View/Download) Executive Summary Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) ...
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The Road Ahead: A Summary of State Economic Recovery Agendas

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have posed exceptional challenges for states. This brief summarizes the proactive economic recovery efforts a number of states are undertaking. They illustrate various ...
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COVID-19 Vaccine Communications Resources

Communication is a critical component of successful distribution, administration, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Governors recognize the importance of effective communication in clarifying policies and processes, engaging key partners and ...
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Supporting A Trained Direct Care Workforce In Facility Settings During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic

The direct care workforce is a critical component of a well-functioning health system. These occupations are reliable entry points into the health sector, but limited wage potential as well as ...
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Policy and Guidance Resources by Topic

External Tracker Resources

State-by-state tracking of approved Medicaid emergency authorities - Kaiser Family Foundation
State-by-state tracking of guidance related to public health policies - Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Coronavirus-related state legislation - National Conference of State Legislatures
State actions related to child care - Hunt Institute
State-by-state tracking of school closures - Education Week

Contact Us

Timothy Blute, Director, NGA Center For Best Practices (tblute@nga.org; 202-624-7854)
Maribel Ramos, Government Relations (mramos@nga.org; 202-624-5378)

Webpage Notification and Waiver of Liability
This page includes memoranda, resources, trackers, and other materials developed by the National Governors Association (NGA) to assist governors and state governments with COVID-19 response efforts. These materials are intended to provide information that is currently in the public domain and is not intended to be used as a source for legal or professional advice. NGA and its governing bodies, officers, and employees assume no responsibility for information contained on this webpage and disclaim all civil or criminal liability in respect of such information. NGA makes no endorsements or recommendations of information provided, and visitors to this website should always seek the advice of an appropriately qualified professional pertaining to specific material references. Information contained in such materials is not exhaustive and may be changed or updated at any time. Specific disclaimers may apply in addition to certain content or parts of this webpage.