WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Biden announced that the COVID-19 national and public health emergency (PHE) would end on May 11, 2023. These emergencies were declared by the Trump Administration in 2020 and have been set to expire on March 1 and April 11 respectively. The President’s plan is to extend the emergency declarations until May 11 and then end both emergencies on that date, aligning with the Administration’s previous commitments.
In his statement, the President made it clear that the continuation of these emergency declarations until May 11 will not impose any restrictions on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19. He stated, “They do not impose mask mandates or vaccine mandates. They do not restrict school or business operations. They do not require the use of any medicines or tests in response to cases of COVID-19.”
However, ending these emergencies abruptly would significantly impact the nation’s health system and government operations. The sudden termination of the PHE would create chaos and uncertainty throughout the healthcare system, leading to tens of millions of Americans at risk of losing their health insurance and states at risk of losing billions of dollars in funding. Hospitals and nursing homes will also be plunged into chaos, leading to disruptions in care and payment delays.
Moreover, the end of the public health emergency will end the Title 42 policy at the border. This could result in a substantial additional inflow of migrants at the Southwest border, creating problems for the Administration. The President stated, “The Administration strongly opposes enactment of H.R. 382 and H.J. Res. 7, which would be a grave disservice to the American people.”
Experts say the President’s decision to end the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency on May 11, 2023, will have far-reaching implications for the country. The Administration said they are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding any chaos and uncertainty in the healthcare system.