COVID Public Health Emergency Is Ending: Here's What's Next In CA

CALIFORNIA — More than three years after the first COVID-19 case was reported, the federally mandated pandemic-related emergency came to an end on Thursday. While the milestone will spell more noticeable changes in many states, legislation in California limits much of the near-term impacts.

As the federal rule requiring insurers to cover the cost of up to eight at-home tests per month expires, California lawmakers have ordered most insurers to continue reimbursements for at least six months. According to the Los Angeles Times, Department of Public Health vaccination sites, food banks, senior centers and Los Angeles County libraries will also continue to provide free at-home tests.

California's COVID-19 state of emergency ended on Feb. 28, and the CDPH further adjusted its guidance early last month. This year's notable changes include dropping mask requirements for indoor high-risk and health care settings, ending the vaccination requirement for health care workers, and cutting isolation recommendations to five days after a positive test.

While COVID-19 cases have steadily declined both nationally and across California in recent months, some federal mandates remained intact. Most of those requirements and lingering pandemic precautions will taper off as health officials begin to put the three-year health crisis behind them.

Per CDPH data, California's daily case totals and death rates have maintained a downward momentum since March, and vaccination rates are on the upswing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, access to COVID-19 vaccines will not be impacted in the short-term and the federal government continues to distribute shots for adults and children. CDC officials said treatments like Paxlovid will also remain free "while supplies last," with a price structure determined by the manufacturer after that stockpile runs out. Wastewater and genomic surveillance programs to track transmission and mutations of the virus will also continue.

Even as COVID-19 measures wind down, health officials warn that doesn’t mean Americans are free and clear from the virus. As of April 19, the CDC recommends a second bivalent booster for those ages 65 and older. Those who are immune compromised are eligible for a second bivalent booster if it's been at least two months since their first.

Information on where to find free COVID-19 tests, vaccinations and boosters near you are available via California's MyTurn portal.