Messaging: The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration

On May 11, 2023, the public health emergency (PHE) declaration will end. Among other policy implications, the end of the public health emergency will impact health policy measures associated with the public’s access to COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Public Health Communications Collaborative created a new resource with topline messaging to help keep your community informed about what the end of the PHE means for your constituents, questions to consider when communicating about COVID-19 and the end of the PHE to your community, and additional resources. Here are some topline messages from our new resource:

Topline Messages:

• When the public health emergency ends, COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be free for all, as long as the supply of federally purchased vaccines lasts.
• Coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment will now vary by insurance type.
• The end of the PHE doesn’t mean that COVID-19 is over. CDC continues to recommend that everyone stays up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, take a test if you have symptoms or have been exposed, and wear a high-quality mask when COVID-19 levels are high.