COVID-19 National Emergency Comes to an End
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 17, 2023, 0 Comments
Courtesy Eliseo Ceja,
Laredo, Texas – On April 10, 2023, President Joe Biden signed the end of the COVID-19 national emergency into law. The public health emergency is set to expire on May 11, 2023. While the emergency granted flexibility, we believe that the end of the emergency is a testament to the hard work and dedication of public health experts, healthcare workers, and researchers who have worked tirelessly to guide us through this crisis and help us return to a new normal. As we move forward, it is crucial to take all necessary safety precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
We understand that some people have already taken steps against COVID-19 infection, such as getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and wearing a facemask around others, but it is vital to remain vigilant. Laredo Health will continue to provide the COVID-19 vaccine through the Texas Vaccines for Children program, with plans for it to soon be available through the Adults Safety Network program in the near future. These programs provide access to vaccines for individuals in our community who are uninsured or underinsured at little to no cost. For those who are insured, vaccines will be available at local pharmacies.
Mayor, Dr. Victor Trevino, states, “The end of the COVID-19 national emergency reflects our national efforts and local success in achieving a level of immunity that has kept our community safe from disease.”
Dr. Richard Chamberlain, Laredo Health Director, adds, “The pandemic has had far-reaching social, economic, and psychological impacts. We must continue to support individuals, families, and communities affected by the pandemic. The City of Laredo Health Department has worked tirelessly over the past three years to respond to the pandemic. We are grateful for the unwavering commitment and bravery of each member of our public health and healthcare workforce. It is because of their dedication that we have made progress and overcome the challenges we have faced. Moving forward, we recognize that there will be continued challenges related to public health, and we remain committed to providing the best possible care to our community. We appreciate everyone’s support, and we want to assure you that our mission to promote health equity and serve the needs of our community will continue to guide our work.”
