The federal Public Health Emergency or PHE, which was declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under the Public Health Service Act for COVID-19 is scheduled to wrap up on May 11.
According to a press release by the Office of the Governor of Guam, federal support will continue through the proposed HSS Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program, although the PHE is ending. This creates a $1.1 billion public-private partnership to help maintain uninsured individuals’ access to COVID-19 care at their local pharmacies and health centers.
In a press release, Democrat Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said, “The pandemic disrupted our lives and the life of the world, tested global health systems and economies, and took too many lives too soon. At this historic end, we honor the resilience of our island and reaffirm our commitment to a healthier future for all.”
According to HSS, since the peak of the Omicron surge at the end of January 2022:
- Daily COVID-19 reported cases are down 92%
- COVID-19 deaths declined by over 80%
- New COVID-19 hospitalizations are down nearly 80%
In a press release, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Director Art San Agustin said, “I express my heartfelt thanks to all healthcare workers, first responders, as well as the staff of DPHSS who worked tirelessly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication and hard work saved countless lives and helped end the pandemic.”
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