Глава ВОЗ объявляет окончание COVID-19 как глобальной чрезвычайной ситуации в области здравоохранения
На прошлой неделе COVID-19 унес жизнь каждые три минуты — и это только смерти, о которых мы знаем, — заявил Тедрос Адханом Гебрейесус, Генеральный директор ВОЗ, на брифинге для СМИ в штаб-квартире агентства в Женеве.
Согласно Информационной панели ВОЗ по коронавирусу, которая собирала ключевую статистику с начала пандемии, накопленное количество случаев по всему миру сейчас составляет 765 222 932, с почти семью миллионами смертей: точная цифра в настоящее время составляет 6 921 614.
По-прежнему убивает, по-прежнему меняется
Он отметил, что вирус — впервые объявлен публичной чрезвычайной ситуацией в области международного здравоохранения главой ВОЗ 30 января 2020 года — остается здесь: Он по-прежнему убивает и по-прежнему меняется. Остается риск появления новых вариантов, вызывающих новые всплески случаев и смертей.
Он сказал, что решение не было принято легкомысленно. В течение последнего года Совет по чрезвычайным ситуациям под руководством ВОЗ внимательно изучал данные, касающиеся времени снижения тревоги.
Более года наблюдается тенденция снижения заболеваемости, он сказал, увеличение иммунитета благодаря высокоэффективным вакцинам, разработанным за рекордное время для борьбы с болезнью, и инфекций. Снизились смертельные случаи, и давление на когда-то перегруженные системы здравоохранения снизилось.
Эта тенденция позволила большинству стран вернуться к жизни, какой мы ее знали до COVID-19, — добавил Тедрос.
Поток дезинформации
Но он отметил, что пандемия показала политические проблемы, внутри каждой страны и между ними. Это подорвало доверие между людьми, правительствами и институтами, подпитывая потоком дезинформации и дезинформации.
Тедрос также отметил огромный ущерб, нанесенный всем сферам глобальной жизни вирусом, включая огромные экономические потрясения, стирая триллионы из ВВП, нарушая путешествия и торговлю, закрывая бизнесы и погружая миллионы в бедность.
Он напомнил, что в то время как он говорил, тысячи людей по всему миру продолжают бороться за свои жизни на интенсивной терапии, и еще миллионы будут жить на протяжении неопределенного будущего с разрушительными последствиями пост-COVID условий, или так называемой долгой COVID
Глава ВОЗ сказал, что на одном уровне окончание чрезвычайной ситуации — это момент празднования, и он выразил признательность за невероятную квалификацию и самоотверженное преданность здравоохранителей по всему миру.
Отражая на глубокие шрамы
Но на другом уровне это время глубокого вдумчивости, с COVID продолжающим оставлять глубокие шрамы на нашем мире.
Эти шрамы должны служить постоянным напоминанием о потенциале появления новых вирусов с разрушительными последствиями, — сказал он.
Извлечь уроки из ошибок
Было допущено много ошибок, включая отсутствие координации, равенства и солидарности, что означало, что существующие инструменты и технологии не были наилучшим образом использованы для борьбы с вирусом.
Мы должны пообещать себе, нашим детям и внукам, что больше никогда не будем допускать эти ошибки, — сказал он.
Отказы и гибкости в связи с коронавирусом
Это должно изменить нас всех к лучшему. Это должно сделать нас более решительными в достижении той цели, которой нации придерживались, когда они основали ВОЗ в 1948 году: наивысшие стандарты здравоохранения для всех людей.
Временные отказы и гибкости в связи с коронавирусом
В определенных обстоятельствах министр Департамента здравоохранения и социальных услуг (HHS) с использованием раздела 1135 Закона о социальном обеспечении (SSA) может временно изменить или отказаться от некоторых требований Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP или HIPAA, называемых отказами 1135. Существует различные виды отказов 1135, включая общие отказы Medicare. В случае чрезвычайной ситуации раздел 1135 или 1812(f) SSA позволяют нам выдавать общие отказы для помощи получателям доступа к медицинской помощи. Когда выдается общий отказ, поставщикам не нужно подавать заявку на индивидуальный отказ 1135. В случае чрезвычайной ситуации мы также можем предложить поставщикам медицинских услуг другие гибкости, чтобы гарантировать доступ американцев к медицинской помощи.
Обновление относительно намерения прекратить национальное чрезвычайное положение и декларации о чрезвычайной обстановке и продлении с помощью Закона о консолидированном бюджете (CAA) на финансовый год 2023
Обновление: В четверг, 29 декабря 2022 года, президент Байден подписал закон H.R. 2716, Закон о консолидированном бюджете (CAA) на финансовый год 2023. Этот закон предоставляет более $1,7 триллиона на финансирование различных аспектов работы федерального правительства, включая продление основных отказов в области телемедицины и индивидуального отказа в оказании стационарной медицинской помощи на дому (AHCaH), которые были инициированы во время федерального чрезвычайного положения об общественном здравоохранении (PHE).
CMS готов обновить информационные ресурсы и предоставить обновления как можно скорее. Продолжайте использовать информацию о Публичном чрезвычайном положении (PHE) COVID-19 для конкретных поставщиков для получения информации об отказах и гибкостях, предоставленных в рамках PHE.
Отказы и гибкости для поставщиков медицинских услуг
Подать заявку на отказ 1135 или отправить запрос, связанный с общественным здоровьем (PHE)
Узнайте, как мы снижаем бремя и помогаем поставщикам ухаживать за американцами, предлагая новые отказы и гибкости
Изучите наши информационные брошюры для поставщиков о Публичном чрезвычайном положении (PHE) COVID-19 в отношении отказов и гибкостей. Эти информационные брошюры содержат информацию о том, какие отказы и гибкости уже были отменены, были сделаны постоянными или завершатся в конце PHE.
Общие отказы
Если вы являетесь субъектом в зоне объявленного чрезвычайного положения, вы можете подать заявку на отказ 1135. Обычно мы свяжемся с вами через 2-3 дня, но если ваш запрос более сложный, это может занять до недели. Если ваш запрос на отказ содержит 1 или 2 пункта, мы можем ответить вам в течение 24 часов.
После одобрения отказов они имеют обратную дату вступления в силу с 1 марта 2020 года и заканчиваются не позднее окончания декларации о чрезвычайной ситуации.
Вейвер
Одобренный вейвер по коронавирусу 1812(f) (PDF)
Другие вейверы 1135 и вейверы 1915(c)
Другие вейверы по коронавирусу 1135 штатов
Одобренные вейверы штатов по гомеостажи и коммунальному обслуживанию (HCBS) 1915(c) Приложение K
Вейверы штатов по готовности к чрезвычайным ситуациям и реагированию на коронавирус для HCBS 1915(c) Приложение K
Одобренные демонстрации 1115 штатов
Демонстрации 1115 Medicaid штатов по коронавирусу
Поправки к плану штата по Медикейду
Поправки к плану штата по Медикейду
Поправки к плану штата по CHIP
Поправки к плану штата по CHIP
Найти общую информацию о вейверах и гибкостях.
COVID-19 — это заболевание, вызванное коронавирусом SARS-CoV-2. Оно обычно передается между людьми в близком контакте.
Вакцины от COVID-19 обеспечивают надежную защиту от тяжелого заболевания и смерти. Хотя человек все равно может заболеть COVID-19 после вакцинации, вероятнее всего у него будут легкие или отсутствующие симптомы.
Любой может заболеть COVID-19 и заболеть тяжело или умереть, но большинство людей выздоровеют без лечения.
Люди старше 60 лет и те, у кого есть существующие медицинские проблемы, имеют более высокий риск заболеть тяжело. К таким состояниям относятся высокое артериальное давление, диабет, ожирение, иммунодепрессия, включая ВИЧ, рак и беременность. Невакцинированные люди также имеют повышенный риск развития тяжелых симптомов.
Симптомы
Люди могут испытывать различные симптомы от COVID-19. Симптомы обычно начинаются через 5–6 дней после контакта и могут длиться от 1 до 14 дней.
Самые распространенные симптомы:
- Кашель
- Отсутствие вкуса или обоняния
- Головная боль
- Температура
- Утомляемость
Редкие симптомы:
- Онемение или онемение конечностей
- Отрывистая речь или непониманием речи
- Голубые губы, лицо или ногти
- Боль в груди
Людям с существующими проблемами со здоровьем грозит повышенный риск при заболевании COVID-19; им следует своевременно обратиться за медицинской помощью, если они обеспокоены своим состоянием. К таким людям относятся те, кто принимает иммунодепрессанты, страдающие хроническими сердечными, легочными, печеночными или ревматологическими проблемами, те, у кого есть ВИЧ, диабет, рак, ожирение или деменция.
Люди с тяжелым заболеванием и те, кто нуждается в госпитализации, должны получить лечение как можно скорее. Последствия тяжелого COVID-19 включают смерть, остановку дыхания, сепсис, тромбоэмболию (сгустки крови) и множественную органную недостаточность, включая повреждение сердца, печени или почек.
В редких случаях у детей может развиться тяжелый воспалительный синдром через несколько недель после заражения.
Долгоиграющий COVID (или пост-COVID-19 состояние)
Некоторые люди, перенесшие COVID-19, независимо от того, нужно ли им было госпитализироваться, продолжают испытывать симптомы. Эти долгосрочные последствия называются долгоиграющим COVID (или пост-COVID-19 состояние). Самые распространенные симптомы, связанные с долгоиграющим COVID, включают усталость, одышку и когнитивные расстройства (например, путаницу, забывчивость, или отсутствие мыслительной четкости или фокуса). Долгоиграющий COVID может повлиять на способность человека выполнять повседневные задачи, такие как работа или домашние дела.
Лечение
Большинство людей выздоровеют без необходимости лечения в больнице.
Для тех, кому это необходимо, врачи будут предлагать лечение COVID-19 в зависимости от тяжести заболевания и риска его ухудшения. Они будут учитывать возраст человека и наличие других проблем со здоровьем.
Больше о лечении
Профилактика
Вакцины против COVID-19 обеспечивают надежную защиту от тяжелого заболевания, госпитализации и смерти.
Для предотвращения распространения COVID-19:
- Вакцинация против COVID-19 основана на приоритетных группах, таких как люди в возрасте 60 лет и старше, а также те, у кого есть базовые медицинские проблемы, такие как гипертония, диабет, хронические заболевания, иммуносупрессия (включая ВИЧ), ожирение, рак, беременные женщины и непривитые люди. В марте 2023 года ВОЗ обновила свои рекомендации относительно первичного курса вакцинации (две дозы любой вакцины), а также необходимости бустерных доз. Эти рекомендации имеют временный характер и могут изменяться в любое время в зависимости от того, как циркулирует вирус SARS-CoV-2 в вашем районе или стране. Важно быть в курсе местных рекомендаций и указаний, предоставляемых местным органом здравоохранения.
- С момента введения COVID-19 вакцины они спасли миллионы жизней по всему миру, обеспечив защиту от тяжелого заболевания, госпитализации и смерти. Несмотря на то, что вакцины защищают от тяжелой формы болезни и смерти, после вакцинации все еще есть вероятность передачи вируса SARS-CoV-2 другим.
Реакция ВОЗ
Всемирная организация здравоохранения является глобальным координирующим органом в реакции на пандемию COVID-19. Организация сотрудничает с государственными членами и партнерами по всем аспектам реакции на пандемию, включая содействие исследованиям, разработку руководств, координацию разработки и распространения вакцин, а также мониторинг ежедневного числа случаев и тенденций по всему миру.
С апреля 2020 года по настоящее время Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, запущенный ВОЗ и партнерами, поддерживает самое быстрое, наиболее согласованное и успешное глобальное усилие в истории по разработке инструментов для борьбы с болезнью. COVAX, вакцинное звено ACT-Accelerator, представляет собой передовое глобальное сотрудничество для ускорения разработки, производства и равного доступа к тестам, лечениям и вакцинам от COVID-19.
ВОЗ обеспечивает глобальную координацию и поддержку государств-членов по мониторингу безопасности вакцин. Она разработала целиевые профили продуктов для вакцин против COVID-19 и обеспечивает техническую координацию в области исследований и разработки.
WHO also leads work to improve global capacity and access to oxygen production, distribution and supply to patients.
Although WHO announced the end of the emergency phase of COVID-19 in May 2023, the Organization continues to coordinate the global response.
By understanding how coronavirus spreads, you can take the right steps so you don’t get sick and infect others.
COVID transmission rate
Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that since January of 2020, there have been over 103 million confirmed cases of COVID.
COVID transmission period
People seem to be most infectious about 2 days before they have symptoms and early on. If you have severe symptoms, the illness can be contagious for longer.
People infected with the virus can be contagious and can spread it even if they don’t have symptoms. If you have mild COVID-19 or have no symptoms, the CDC recommends isolation through day 5 (after symptoms appear or a positive test result) and wearing a mask through day 10. Those with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 should isolate through day 10, and those who are immunocompromised through day 20.
Can pets get COVID?
Some pets have tested positive for the coronavirus. Not all of these animals had signs of illness, but some had mild symptoms. The animals may have caught the virus from close contact with humans who were infected.
Public health officials say they are still studying COVID-19 but it appears that humans can pass it to pets, although it’s not as likely that pets can pass it to humans.
Experts believe the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. There are several ways this can happen:
The virus most often spreads through people who have symptoms. But it is possible to pass it on without showing any signs. Some people who don’t know they’ve been infected and never develop symptoms can give COVID-19 to others. This is called asymptomatic spread. You can also pass it on before you notice any signs of infection and then later get symptoms, called presymptomatic spread.
Is COVID airborne?
Yes. It can get into your lungs if someone who has it breathes out and you breathe that air in. Experts are divided on how often the virus spreads through the airborne route.
How long does COVID stay in the air?
Research shows that the virus can live in the air for up to 3 hours.
Sometimes, a person can trace how they got the virus because they know that they’ve been in contact with someone who’s sick. In other cases, the cause is unknown. Community spread is when people in an area get the virus, including some without any known contact with someone who is sick.
Can I get infected from delivery food, packages, or groceries?It’s highly unlikely that you’ll catch COVID-19 from packages, groceries, or food. If case levels are high in your community or you are at risk of infection or developing serious COVID-19 symptoms, try to keep at least 6 feet away from others in the store or have food delivered or arrange curbside pickup. If these options aren’t possible, wear a face mask, too. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after bringing things into your home. Wiping down packaging is optional. Continue to clean surfaces that are touched often.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been several COVID-19 variants, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron, with a range of dominance among the strains.
Researchers say that on average, every person who has COVID-19 will pass it on to 2 or 2.5 others. One study says that number is even higher, with one sick person infecting between 4.7 and 6.6 others.
By comparison, someone who has the flu will probably give it to an average of 1.1 to 2.3 others. But one person with measles might spread it to 12 to 18 others.Although children tend to get infected with the coronavirus less often and have milder symptoms than adults, they can still catch and spread it. Some have become seriously ill and even died.
CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 prevention include:
Additional guidance about extra steps you can choose to take, especially in areas known to have higher levels of COVID-19:
As you’re encouraged to be vaccinated, there are currently 3 COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA for added protection.
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, a one-dose shot for people 18 years of age and older, was previously available; however it is no longer in the U.S.
The current versions of all three vaccines are geared to build immunity against the current COVID-19 variants. Recent CDC recommendations according to age group and previous vaccinations include:
Ages 5 years and older:
Ages 6 months to 4 years of age:If unvaccinated, updated Pfizer (3 doses) or updated Moderna (2 doses) COVID-19 vaccines are recommended.If previously vaccinated, the number of recommended doses depends on how many doses and which vaccine they previously received.Pfizer. With1 previous dose of the Pfizer vaccine, 2 doses of updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are recommended. If they received 2 or more previous doses, 1 updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is recommended.Moderna. With 1 previous dose or 2 or more previous doses, 1 updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is recommended (time between doses varies depending on number of previous doses).Those who are immunocompromised may require additional doses. Also, if you recently had COVID-19, you can delay COVID-19 vaccination for 3 months, as you’re not likely to become infected again a few weeks to a month after having COVID-19. Consider getting it sooner if:The current hospital admission level in your area is high. The current, most common variant is causing sickness. You’re going to have close contact with a loved one and could put them at risk.You’re personally high risk for severe illness.
All three vaccines are proven to be very effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and lowering your chance of getting very sick. The CDC states there is no preferred COVID-19 vaccine over another when more than one of these versions is available.If you notice any allergic reactions or side effects after taking the vaccine, let your doctor know.
COVID-19 is a serious illness. It’s important to take steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus because:
Quarantine is for people who don’t have symptoms but who might have been exposed to COVID-19. The idea is to keep you from unknowingly infecting others.
Self-quarantine is usually voluntary. But the federal or state government may legally require you to do it for certain illnesses.
COVID quarantine guidelines
The CDC now recommends that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.
Who needs to quarantine?
isolate yourself if you’re sick or have symptoms and don’t have test results yet.
How long does quarantine last?
Isolate yourself until there’s no chance that you could spread the virus. If your test results are negative, you can end your isolation. Your doctor can also tell you when it’s safe to stop.
General recommendations for self-isolation include:
Isolation is a health care term that means separating people who are contagious from people who aren’t. If you have COVID-19, you’ll be isolated because you may infect others. There are two types of isolation:
Medical isolation. At hospitals, health care centers, and prisons, the staff separates people who are infected from people who aren’t. Staff members wear equipment like masks, gloves, and face shields to protect themselves and prevent spreading the virus.
Self-isolation. You’ll be advised to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have symptoms like coughing and fever but don’t need to be hospitalized. Like quarantining, self-isolation is usually voluntary. But public health agencies may legally require it for certain diseases.
If you have COVID-19, regardless of whether or not you’re vaccinated, you should self-isolate for 5 days. The CDC also recommends isolation if you are sick or think you have COVID-19 but haven’t taken a test. If test results are negative, you can stop isolation. If they are positive, additional recommendations include: If you don’t have symptoms or had symptoms and they are improving (i.e., fever-free for 24 hours without medication), you can stop isolation after day 5. If you have symptoms that are not improving, continue to isolate until you’re without symptoms or fever-free for 24 hours without help from fever-reducing medications. If you had symptoms and your case was moderate to severe, you should isolate through day 10. For severe cases, talk to your doctor as they may also recommend testing before ending isolation.Wear your mask around other people through day 10. You can remove your mask before day 10 with 2 back-to-back negative test results (48 hours apart).
Anyone can get COVID-19. But you have a higher chance of getting seriously ill from it if you:
Get medical help right away if you have severe symptoms such as:
If it’s an emergency, call 911 or head to the nearest hospital for medical attention.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is very contagious, and spreads quickly.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild respiratory symptoms that feel much like a cold or flu. But it can be much more serious for older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19. Some people may go on to suffer from post-COVID conditions, known as “long COVID.” There is also evidence that COVID vaccines protect against long COVID.
Vaccines against COVID-19 are very safe and effective. They are the best defense against the virus, as they protect against serious disease, hospitalization, and death.
We know a lot more about COVD-19 than we did in 2020, and yet we’re still learning. We will continue to provide important updates.
Terms to know
aerosols: infectious viral particles that can float or drift around in the air. Aerosols are emitted by a person infected with coronavirus — even one with no symptoms — when they talk, breathe, cough, or sneeze. Another person can breathe in these aerosols and become infected with the virus. Aerosolized coronavirus can remain in the air for up to three hours. A mask can help prevent that spread.
antibodies: proteins made by the immune system to fight infections. If the antibodies later encounter the same infection, they help prevent illness by recognizing the microbe and preventing it from entering cells.
antibody test: also known as a serologic test, an antibody test is a blood test that looks for antibodies created by your immune system. An antibody test can indicate if you were previously infected but is not a reliable way to determine whether you are currently infected.
antigen: a substance displayed on the surface of a microbe that stimulates the body to produce an immune response.
antigen test: a diagnostic test that detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus.
booster: an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine given after protection from the initial vaccine series begins to decline.
community spread (community transmission): is said to have occurred when people have been infected without any knowledge of contact with someone who has the same infection.
diagnostic test: indicates whether you are currently infected with COVID-19. A sample is collected using a swab of your nose, your nose and throat, or your saliva. The sample is then checked for the virus’s genetic material (PCR test) or for specific viral proteins (antigen test).
effectiveness: indicates the benefit of a vaccine in the real world.
efficacy: indicates the benefit of a vaccine compared to a placebo in the context of a clinical trial.
epidemic: a disease outbreak in a community or region
false negative: a test result that mistakenly indicates you are not infected when you are.
false positive: a test result that mistakenly indicates you are infected when you are not.
herd immunity: herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. As a result, the entire community is protected, even those who are not themselves immune. Herd immunity is usually achieved through vaccination, but it can also occur through natural infection.
immunity: partial or complete protection from a specific infection because a person has either had that infection previously or has been vaccinated against it.
incubation period: the period of time between exposure to an infection and when symptoms begin
isolation: the separation of people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick
long-haulers: people who have not fully recovered from COVID-19 weeks or even months after first experiencing symptoms.
mutation: A change to a virus’s genetic material that occurs when the virus is replicating. The change is passed on to future generations of the virus.
monoclonal antibodies: laboratory-produced proteins designed to mimic naturally occurring antibodies that target specific antigens on viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
mRNA: short for messenger ribonucleic acid, mRNA is genetic material that contains instructions for making proteins.
mRNA vaccines: mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 contain synthetic mRNA. Inside the body, the mRNA enters human cells and instructs them to produce the "spike" protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. The body recognizes the spike protein as an invader, and produces antibodies against it. If the antibodies later encounter the actual virus, they are ready to recognize and destroy it before it causes illness.
pandemic: a disease outbreak affecting large populations or a whole region, country, or continent
physical distancing: also called social distancing, refers to actions taken to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease. For an individual, it refers to maintaining enough physical distance (a minimum of six feet) between yourself and another person to reduce the risk of breathing in droplets or aerosols that are produced when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: a diagnostic test that detects the presence of the virus’s genetic material.
post-viral syndrome: the constellation of symptoms experienced by COVID-19 long haulers. These symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chills, body ache, headache, joint pain, chest pain, cough, and lingering loss of taste or smell.
SARS-CoV-2: short for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 is the official name for the virus responsible for COVID-19.
spike protein: a protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that binds to and allows the virus to enter human cells.
variant: A virus containing one or more mutations that make it different from a version of the virus that has been circulating.
variants of concern: SARS-CoV-2 viruses with mutations that make them more likely to spread, evade vaccines, or make people sicker.
vector: a harmless capsule. In a vaccine, a vector may be used to deliver a substance into the body in order to prompt an immune response.
virus: a virus is the smallest of infectious microbes, smaller than bacteria or fungi. A virus consists of a small piece of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein shell. Viruses cannot survive without a living cell in which to reproduce. Once a virus enters a living cell (the host cell) and takes over a cell’s inner workings, the cell cannot carry out its normal life-sustaining tasks. The host cell becomes a virus manufacturing plant, making viral parts that then reassemble into whole viruses and go on to infect other cells. Eventually, the host cell dies.
Image: Naeblys/Getty Images
May 11, 2023, marks the end of the federal COVID-19 PHE declaration. After this date, CDC’s authorizations to collect certain types of public health data will expire.
The United States has mobilized and sustained a historic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nation, we now find ourselves at a different point in the pandemic – with more tools and resources than ever before to better protect ourselves and our communities.
CDC has been working for many months to fold the agency’s COVID-19 emergency response activities into its existing structure and programs, as part of an ongoing transition to sustainable public health practice. The agency has also been working with partners, including states and local territories, to prepare for the end of the PHE declaration and communicate updated reporting requirements and cadences.
While reporting frequency and source data for some metrics will shift when the PHE declaration ends, CDC will continue to report valuable data to inform individual and community public health actions to protect those at highest risk of severe COVID-19. Our priority remains providing the information necessary to protect the nation’s public health.
What Does the End of the PHE Mean for You?
Most tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available. But, some tools, like certain data sources and reporting, will change.
CDC’s Data and Surveillance
Monitoring the impact of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies remains a public health priority. With the COVID-19 PHE declaration ending, some metrics will remain the same, but some will change in frequency, source, or availability. This is in part because CDC’s authority to collect and receive certain types of data will change. CDC will continue to provide sustainable, high-impact, and timely information to inform decision-making.
In February 2023, the HHS Secretary gave a 90-day notice to Governors to prepare for the unwinding of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The timeline below highlights some of the communications and materials from HHS to State leadership.
The federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 expired on May 11, 2023. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 remains a public health priority.
Day Timeline
May 11, 2023 The HHS Secretary issues a statement on the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
May 10, 2023 HHS publishes a fact sheet about the future of federal telehealth flexibilities for patients and providers, including access to telehealth services for substance use treatment.
May 10, 2023 The HHS Secretary thanks Governors for their partnership and reminds them of various resources regarding the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
May 9, 2023 HHS publishes a fact sheet with current flexibilities enabled by the COVID-19 emergency declaration and how they will be impacted on May 11, 2023.
April
April 26, 2023 CMS publishes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CMS waivers, flexibilities and the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. These FAQs are updated on 5/5/2023 and 5/19/2023.
April 18, 2023 HHS publishes a fact sheet about the HHS Bridge Access Program, a public-private partnership that keeps COVID-19 care available at no cost for people without insurance through local pharmacies and health centers.
March
March 7, 2023 The HHS Secretary sends a letter to Governors urging them to do everything possible to prevent eligible individuals from losing health insurance coverage, specifically Medicaid and CHIP.
February
Get answers to your questions about face masks, including how to use them properly.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Can face masks help slow the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Yes. When used with measures such as getting vaccinated, hand-washing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask slows how quickly the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks if you choose to, and in specific places and situations.
In areas that have many people with COVID-19 in the hospital, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask indoors in public.
The CDC says that you should wear the most protective mask that you’ll wear regularly, fits well and is comfortable.
Respirators such as nonsurgical N95s give the most protection. KN95s and medical masks provide the next highest level of protection. Cloth masks provide less protection. The CDC says that surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care professionals.
Masking suggestions are a bit different for people at higher risk of serious illness. This includes people with risk factors such as older age. It also includes people with weakened immune systems and those who live with or care for someone with these risk factors.
For people at high risk, the CDC suggests you wear a mask that provides you with the most protection possible. Wear a mask while in public indoor spaces when your area has a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital.
Check with your doctor to talk about when to wear a mask at other times.
How do the different types of masks work?
Also called surgical masks, these are loosefitting disposable masks. They’re meant to protect the wearer from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain germs. A medical mask also filters out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.
To make medical masks more form-fitting, knot the ear loops where they attach to the mask. Then fold and tuck the loose material under the edges.
Wearing a medical mask doesn’t increase the level of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.
KN95 masks
A KN95 mask is a type of respirator that meets certain international standards. It offers more protection than a medical mask does because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. But be cautious when buying a KN95. Some may not meet the quality standards, so consider researching the source carefully.
An N95 mask is a type of respirator that meets U.S. quality standards. An N95 offers the highest level of protection. It offers more protection than a medical mask does because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. Nonsurgical N95s can be used by the general public.
The CDC has said surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care professionals. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. But researchers are testing ways to disinfect and reuse them.
To work best, N95 masks should fit your face tightly.
Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have valves that make them easier to breathe through. But these masks don’t filter the air the wearer breathes out. For this reason, they’ve been banned in some places.
Cloth masks
A cloth mask is intended to trap respiratory droplets released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. It also acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from breathing in droplets released by others.
The most effective cloth masks are made of many layers of tightly woven fabric like cotton. A mask with layers will stop more droplets from getting through the mask or escaping from it.
Wearing a mask doesn’t increase the level of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.
How to get the most from your mask
Your mask works best if it fits your face closely and has no gaps around the edges. This helps air and breath move through the mask, not around the edges.
You should feel warm air going out the front of the mask when you breathe out. You shouldn’t feel your breath coming out under the edges of the mask.
Use masks that have bendable nose strips, as these help prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.
Layers of material offer more protection.
If you wear a KN95 or N95 mask, make sure it fits and seals close to your face.
A child’s mask should be specifically made for children in order to fit properly. Make sure it fits close over the nose, mouth and chin.
And don’t forget these precautions:
What about face shields?
Experts do not recommend using face shields instead of masks. It’s not clear how much protection shields provide. But wearing a face mask may not be possible in every situation. If you must use a face shield instead of a mask, choose one that wraps around the sides of your face and extends below your chin.
Do you still need to wear a face mask after you’re vaccinated?
After getting vaccinated, you can more safely return to doing activities that you might not have been able to do because of high numbers of people with COVID-19 in your area. However, if you are in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public. You are considered up to date with your vaccines if you have gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccine shots when you become eligible.
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Nov. 04, 2023
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