State and Local Health Departments Announce End of Public Health Emergency
Contact: Andrea Boissevain
Director of Health health@townofstratford.com
Cover Photo by Mat Napo
As the end of the national Public Health Emergency draws closer, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and Stratford Health Department have announced the State’s COVID-19 recovery plans and next steps.
Earlier this year, President Biden announced that the national Public Health Emergency, which was declared in 2020, would expire on May 11th, 2023. When a nationally declared emergency ends, powers are lifted, and policies that the President enacted using emergency powers expire. Governor Ned Lamont’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency under Connecticut law will end at the same time as the nationally declared Public Health Emergency.
“Keep in mind, the ending of the Public Health Emergency does not mean the end of the virus. We still have the best tools available to stay healthy and that’s why we have made so much progress from where we were three years ago,” said Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health. “Although the public health emergency is ending, residents should still get vaccinated, get the updated booster, use at-home tests, stay home when they’re sick, and wear a high-quality mask when respiratory viruses are circulating at high levels in our community”.
COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be free for all, as long as the supply of federally purchased vaccines lasts. Coverage for testing and treatment, however, will now vary by insurance type. Other changes include how COVID-related data is reported by the State, including no longer reporting on case and positivity rates.
“I am grateful for the work of our Health Department during the pandemic emergency,” stated Mayor Laura R. Hoydick. “I encourage Stratford residents to continue to take advantage of the many resources provided by the department as we all move forward.”
“We have the necessary tools to continue to protect ourselves and live with this virus,” added DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “We hope that COVID-19 will follow the trajectory of other seasonal illnesses and certainly expect to once again ramp up our efforts during respiratory disease season which typically runs from October through April.”
Residents should visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance. Stay up-to-date on Stratford’s upcoming flu and COVID-19 clinics by visiting www.stratfordct.gov/health
