US Health Department Extends Public Health Emergency

Pointers at Glance

The US health department announced on 11th January 2023 that the COVID-19 pandemic would extend to be considered a public health emergency.
This extension allows millions of Americans to continue receiving free tests, vaccines, and treatments.

On 11th January 2023, the US health department announced that it extended the status of the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency. It allows millions of Americans to continue getting free tests, vaccines, and treatments.

Why US Health Department Planned Extension On Public Health Emergency

The emergency was initially declared in January 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and has been renewed every quarter since then. The extension was planned due to the increased availability of vaccines and medications, significantly reducing the pandemic’s impact.

However, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of people are still dying from coronavirus in the United States.

Report Stats On US COVID Cases

According to the latest data from US CDC, it was reported daily US cases have risen to an average of over 67,000 as of 4th January, with around 390 COVID-related deaths per day.

The Biden administration officials have stated that the two factors that contributed to the potential for a winter surge in COVID cases and the need for more time to transition to a private market for the sale of tests, vaccines, and treatments decision to extend the emergency status in January.

When the emergency status expires, private insurance and government health plans will be responsible for covering COVID-related healthcare costs for most Americans.

Services Offered Under Public Health Emergency

Under public health emergency status, various services will be made available to help control the spread of the disease and support those affected. Some of the benefits include: