COVID-19 Pandemic Is Officially Over: Chesco Health Department

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —The national public health and emergency declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic ended Thursday. May 11, according to the Chester County Department of Health.

On March 13, 2020, the U.S. government declared a national emergency. A travel ban was issued on non-U.S. citizens traveling from European countries.

While the national declarations will end, Chester County health officials noted that this does not mean the COVID-19 virus has been eradicated.

The Chester County Health Department said the virus is still one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with about 250 daily deaths on average.

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention continues to advise that everyone gets vaccinated and gets the latest booster shots.

They also advise these precautions:

• Take at-home tests if you’ve been exposed or have symptoms.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Wear a high-quality mask when COVID-19 levels are high.

Fast COVID-19 facts related to the end of the declarations:

• As long as federally purchased vaccines last, COVID-19 vaccines will remain free to all people, regardless of insurance coverage.
• Providers of federally purchased vaccines are not allowed to charge patients or deny vaccines based on the recipient’s coverage or network status.
• After the federal supply is gone, vaccines will continue to be free of charge to the vast majority of people with private and public insurance due to the Affordable Care Act.
• However, costs may become a barrier for uninsured and underinsured individuals when federally purchased doses are depleted.
• Individuals without health insurance should contact the Health Department at 610-344-6225 or cchd@chesco.org.