Dear Dr. Tamar, and Dr. Amiran,

 

I have heard about the situation with COVID19 in Georgia, it seems the country is responding exceptionally well, congrats, but I know none of us are out of the woods, and there will be worse days ahead.

 

I wanted to propose you consider, before tit too overwhelming,  going to streamlined/home management/virtual visits of patients undergoing HCV treatment.  This is consistent with simplified regimens, and could help to protect HCV patients and healthcare workers from unnecessary exposures.  We are doing this in the USA, and I assume throughout Europe as well, not just for HCV but all primary and specialty care.  Our team in Georgia, with our backup/support and working with the HCV clinicians, is willing to help lead in developing these protocols/SOPs, if that would be useful.

 

Let us know your thoughts, and stay safe.

 

Best, FA

 

Francisco Averhoff MD, MPH

CAPT US Public Health Service

Associate Director for Global Health

Division of Viral Hepatitis

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Road, MS G-37

Atlanta, GA 30333

phone: 404-718-8501

fax: 404-718-8588

e-mail: fma0@cdc.gov