COVID-19 Updates

Public Health Emergency Declaration Renewed

Secretary Becerra issued a nationwide “Renewal of the Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists” on April 15, 2021,  as a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Read this announcement on the HHS Public Health Emergency website. 

British Variant B.1.1.7. More Contagious 

Science Daily reports, “A new study at Tel Aviv University found that the British variant (termed: B.1.1.7) of Covid-19 is 45% more contagious than the original virus.”

Pfizer and Moderna Both Say Booster Shots Will Probably Be Needed

WebMD Health News reports, “People who've received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna coronavirus vaccines will probably need a booster shot this year, top executives for those two pharmaceutical companies said this week. Pfizer CEO said people who've gotten both doses would likely need a third shot within 12 months and might need an annual shot thereafter.”

Starting last Week, Rapid COVID-19 Home Tests to be Sold at Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS

USA Today reports, “Consumers will be able to buy rapid coronavirus tests without a prescription this week at three national chain retailers, an expansion that comes as the nation's vaccination effort accelerates and states relax distancing requirements and mask mandates. Abbott Laboratories' BinaxNOW coronavirus self-test kits will be shipped to CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Walmart locations, and also will be sold online. The two-test kit, which last month received Food and Drug Administration emergency-use authorization for serial screening, will cost $23.99, the company said.”