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MAIN BARNSTABLE COUNTY > MAIN COUNTY FEATURED NEWS > Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 has Officially Ended
Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 has Officially Ended
Published on: May 12, 2023
Wondering what the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency means for you? Here’s what will NOT change:
- COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available at no cost.
- COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid and Lagevria are still available.
- Telehealth appointment flexibility and coverage continue for people with Medicare (continues through December 2024) and Medicaid.
- People who test positive for COVID should stay home for at least five days. If symptoms improve, home isolation may end on day six. Continue to mask around others on days six through ten. To brush up on the current COVID-19 guidance, visit COVID-19 Isolation and Exposure Guidance for the General Public | Mass.gov.
NEW! Masking in healthcare facilities is no longer required as of 5/11/23. Healthcare facilities may have more conservative policies around masking, especially for certain higher-risk settings, such as oncology or transplant units.
To learn more about the implications of the COVID-19 emergency, visit the following websites:
Fact Sheet: End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency | HHS.gov