The Pandemic Is Officially Over?
President Biden recently signed the bill that officially declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and all government-funded COVID-19 programs to help alleviate hardships.
Just because a piece of paper has been signed by a president, doesn’t make what it says a reality. The pandemic changed how we interact with each and how we see ourselves. President Biden recently signed the bill that officially ended COVID-19 pandemic, a national emergency. This will put an end to most, if not all government-funded COVID-19 programs to help alleviate hardships.
But, it doesn’t mean that the virus is gone. In fact, new variants of COVID-19 are cropping up across the globe and causing more problems than ever before. Therefore, the pandemic is far from over. According to CBS News, the pandemic emergency status was put to an end a month early in an agreement by both Republicans and Democrats.
One of the programs that was funded by the pandemic emergency status was free COVID-19 tests. This means that now, people will have to pay out of pocket for their test kits or look into other alternatives. Luckily, there are still a few ways you can get a hold of free COVID-19 test kits without having to pay a dime.
One of these alternatives is the federal government’s COVID-19 testing program. Through this program, people can get their hands on free test kits and other resources to help alleviate some of the hardships caused by the pandemic. The program also provides guidance for states, counties, and communities in how to best use the test kits.
Another alternative is to look into local organizations and groups that are offering free COVID-19 tests. These organizations may have their own testing programs set up or even work with other non-profits, such as churches and charities, in providing free tests to those in need to help keep another pandemic at bay.
In addition, testing can help head off dangerous effects of the pandemic that harmed adults, the elderly, and children.
However, many employers have also started providing free COVID-19 tests to their employees, either through their own testing programs or in partnership with local hospitals and clinics.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to remember that getting tested for COVID-19 is an important step in protecting both yourself and those around you. Taking these steps will ensure that we can do our part to help control the pandemic.
It’s important to stay informed about the latest changes in safety protocols, vaccine availability, and testing methods so you can best protect yourself and those around you. Keeping up to date with the news and consulting your healthcare provider are both essential components of staying safe in these trying times.
The law also upheld Title 42, which put an end to undocumented folks crossing the southern border. This pandemic-era law will have its day in the Supreme Court to see what the fate of Title 42 will be. The Biden administration plans to put an end to 42, but there will be much opposition to doing so.
The White House was incredibly unsure about ending the emergency funds and programs as they believed it would cause chaos and uncertainty across the nation. This was a major decision that removed the ability for Americans to be better prepared for the impacts of this pandemic, such as unemployment benefits, rent relief, healthcare aid, food assistance, student loan deferment, small business loans, and more.
How America will handle the loss of these extra funds and programs, is yet to be seen.
