HHS Secretary Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

On July 19, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration. Effective July 20, the PHE will be extended for an additional 90 days. This means that all telehealth and other waivers and flexibilities implemented during the PHE will remain in effect. HHS has previously indicated that the PHE will likely stay in place throughout the remainder of 2021. The department has also stated that it will provide 60 days’ notice when a decision is made to terminate the declaration or let it expire.