Dear Governor:

As I shared in my February 9 letter to you, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) declared below the Public Health Service Act for COVID-19 to finish on May 11. While COVID-19 shouldn’t be over, we’re able to finish the emergency part of our response due to the Administration’s whole-of-government method to combatting the virus. Along with the February 9 letter, I shared a Fact Sheet explaining some of what’s going to and won’t change because of the tip of the PHE. As we enter the ultimate month of the COVID-19 PHE and proceed the method of transitioning the emergency insurance policies enabled by the COVID-19 emergency declarations, I wish to present readability concerning the way forward for protection of COVID-19 countermeasures below the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act).

The protections supplied by the PREP Act have helped hundreds of thousands of Americans obtain handy and well timed COVID-19 vaccines, therapies, and exams. Recognizing this, I’m asserting at the moment that I intend to amend the PREP Act declaration to increase sure necessary protections that can proceed to facilitate such entry. Attached is a Fact Sheet outlining key particulars.  This Fact Sheet shouldn’t be exhaustive, and the amended declaration could handle further points not coated right here. HHS will share further steerage on any additional extensions of PREP Act protection when the amended Declaration is revealed.

Addressing COVID-19 stays a big public well being precedence for the Administration. In the month remaining earlier than the tip of the PHE, HHS will proceed to work intently with its companions, together with Governors, state, native, Tribal, and territorial businesses, trade, and advocates to make sure an orderly transition. Thank you to your sustained partnership as we work to safeguard and advance the well being and well-being of the American folks.

Sincerely,

Xavier Becerra
Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services