End of Public Health Emergency

East Wenatchee, WA – The public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023.

The end of the national public health emergency does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a dangerous virus. Community transmission is still prevalent and can cause serious illness, particularly for at-risk and immunocompromised individuals. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, visit the WA State Department of Health’s decision tree for general public and non-healthcare settings, such as schools and child cares: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/420456-COVID19DecisionTrees.pdf to help you decide next steps. Chelan-Douglas Health District will continue to monitor COVID-19 as a notifiable condition, similar to the monitoring of flu seasons.

During a public health emergency, the federal government offers funds and resources to State and local governments, for the development and implementation of new public health programs that support the public’s well-being during said emergency. The status of state and local COVID-19 programs and resources after May 11 are as follows:

Say Yes COVID Test: The WA State program that offers free COVID-19 tests to WA residents will end on May 11. Free COVID-19 tests will still be available through other Federal government programs. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests for more information.

Care Connect: Services through the WA State program that offers food and other necessities to people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating at home, will change. Local care coordination services will be limited after May 11. Visit https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/care-connect-washington for more information.

Care-a-Van Vaccines: The WA State mobile health clinic that works with local health jurisdictions and community partners to increase vaccine access will continue to serve people across WA State after May 11. Visit https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/vaccine-information/care-van for future vaccine events.

Telehealth: Free telehealth will continue after May 11 for people who test positive for COVID-19. Visit https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/telehealth for more information.

WA Notify: Effective May 11, WA Notify and exposure notifications will no longer be available in WA State. Visit https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/wa-notify for more information.

Isolation & Quarantine: Chelan-Douglas Health District will no longer offer isolation and quarantine resources to COVID-19 positive individuals in Chelan and Douglas counties. After May 11, WA State will offer limited resources through the Care Connect Washington program. Visit https://www.actionhealthpartners.com/ccc.html for ongoing local care coordination services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened public health and local healthcare organizations improving ongoing partnerships and we are grateful to live in a community where government, healthcare and private sectors work together for the health and safety of our communities. Chelan-Douglas Health District and local healthcare organizations will continue to work together as we transition out of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Chelan-Douglas Health District encourages community members to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, maintain a healthy lifestyle and help keep each other safe. For more public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.