Covid-19 is in a new phase. It has moved from a pandemic to an endemic. The Biden administration lifted the public health emergency on Thursday, May 11th. That comes just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced similar action. The WHO first declared Covid-19 a global public health emergency in January 2020 and six weeks later labelled the virus’ outbreak a pandemic.
Impact of Lifting Public Health Emergency
The lifting of the U.S. public health emergency will have an impact both big and small. For example, the U.S. government will no longer require federal workers to get vaccinated. Covid-19 vaccines will remain free for now until the country’s supply either expires or runs out. International travelers no longer need vaccination against the virus to enter the United States.
However the lifting of the public health emergency also means labs no longer have to share their data with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That could make it harder to determine virus hot spots and slow any potential spread. Going forward, hospitals will only have to report their Covid-19 cases weekly instead of daily to the CDC.
The federal government also provided additional funds to states and local governments during the pandemic. The money helped boost and expand health programs to people in need. Local governments including here in Montgomery County have had to make tough decisions about maintaining or cutting funds to programs that have helped the community.
Covid-19 Remains A Threat
While the public health emergency is now over, Covid-19 remains a threat. The virus was the fourth leading cause of U.S. deaths in 2022, and Covid-19 already has killed more than 42,000 people this year.
MyMCM spoke with Sean O’Donnell, the acting deputy director for Public Health Services with the County’s Department of Health and Human Services about the lifting of the public health emergency and its potential impact on Montgomery County residents:
Another change is coming now that the public health emergency is over. States were not allowed to take anyone off of Medicaid rolls during the pandemic. That policy will end. The Maryland Department of Health launched its Medicaid Check-In Campaign several months ago. It wants residents enrolled in Medicaid and the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program to update their contact information. Residents receiving benefits will have to reenroll to see if they are still eligible.
