Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, in a letter to the nation's governors, praised the Biden administration’s approach to combating the COVID-19 pandemic and applauded the partnerships with the governors to ensure the country is in a better place.
In the letter released by HHS, Becerra noted that as a result of the cooperation, the country can wind down its emergency phase.
"For example, over the last two years, the Biden administration has effectively implemented the largest adult vaccination program in U.S. history, with more than 270 million people receiving at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine,” he wrote in the letter. “As a result of these and other efforts, since January 2021, COVID-19 deaths have declined 95% and hospitalizations are down nearly 91%.”
Becerra also noted that, even though the emergency phase is winding down, COVID-19 remains a lingering issue for many Americans.
“We know so many people continue to be affected by COVID-19, particularly seniors, people who are immunocompromised and people with disabilities,” he wrote. “That is why our response to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remains a public health priority.
"To ensure an orderly transition, we have been working for months so that we can continue to meet the needs of those affected by COVID-19,” he added.
Becerra also included a fact sheet providing updates on changes made possible by the emergency declaration and how the rollback last week would affect those flexibilities as he pledged continued support.
“Beyond the end of the COVID-19, we will continue to work with you and other partners to protect Americans from the virus and its worst impacts by continuing access to COVID-19 vaccines, and treatments, and tests,” he wrote.
Becerra also noted that vaccines and treatments will transition to the traditional healthcare market later this year. The government will continue to work with the states during that transition, including developing plans for individuals without health insurance, such as a bridge program for vaccinations and treatments.
“We will continue to advance research into new, innovative vaccines and treatments through an investment of $5 billion in Project NextGen, a dedicated program to accelerate and streamline the rapid development of the next generation of vaccines and treatments, including investments in research, development and manufacturing capacity and advancing critical science,” he wrote. “And we are continuing to invest in efforts to better understand and address long COVID and to help mitigate the impacts.”
