Covid-19 public health emergency in US to end in May

US President Joe Biden’s administration has informed Congress that it will conclude the Covid-19 national and public health emergencies on 11 May 2023.

However, ending the emergency declarations could have an impact on funding for tests and vaccines.

Congress has already started pushing back on efforts to extend pandemic-related programmes, with House Republicans seeking declarations that would end the public health emergency immediately.

After 11 May, the federal government will stop buying Covid-19 vaccines and people with private insurance could incur additional costs for vaccines, especially if they use an out-of-network provider. Free at-home Covid tests will also stop, with hospitals no longer getting extra payments for treating patients with Covid-19.

The US has extended the vaccination requirement for travellers to the country until April.