HHS evaluating renewal of national health emergency.
According to mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths attributable to pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19 have decreased for the tenth straight week. The threshold rests currently at the epidemic level, but the CDC anticipates a change as death certificates are processed. Positive test results hit record highs in parts of the U.S. last week, and the overall hospitalization rate associated with the pandemic is currently 102.5 per 100,000.
The Health and Human Services public health emergency declaration, valid for 90 days, is set to expire on July 25. The first declaration was made in January, as information on the virus came out of China. The emergency declaration was renewed in late April. HHS Secretary Alex Azar has indicated the likelihood of another renewal in the coming weeks.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For continued recovery for those infected with the virus.
- For the CDC as they analyze data and set guidelines.
- For Secretary Azar and the Department of Health and Human Services as they seek to guard public health.
Sources: CDC.gov, Politico
