State and federal policy changes mark a new phase in the pandemic response, but they could make it harder for people to access COVID tests.
Massachusetts health officials are planning to close the last 11 state-funded COVID testing sites at the end of March, marking another turning point in the state’s pandemic response.
State health officials said the closures reflect a shift toward treating COVID more like other respiratory illnesses. Rapid antigen tests, which can be used at home and report results within minutes, also are available at stores and pharmacies. Health insurers are required to cover the costs of eight rapid tests per person per month, but that rule expires on May 11 when the national public health emergency — in place since the early days of COVID in 2020 — is scheduled to end.
COVID cases and hospitalizations have been declining since an uptick in January, following the winter holidays. Last week, state officials reported less than 6% of tests were positive for the coronavirus, down from nearly 14% at the beginning of January. Local wastewater data also showed coronavirus levels dropping.
"We’re heading in the right direction," she added,"but we still need to remain vigilant because we don’t know, there could be a variant that’s very different from the variants that we’ve seen so far."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Newsom not delivering 2023 State of the State speech; will tour state to tout agendaCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom won't give a State of the State address this year, shunning the teleprompter that has frustrated him because of his dyslexia in favor of a statewide tour this month.
Read more »
Massachusetts residents demand changes to state flag over ‘White supremacy culture’ in new resolutionResidents in Newburyport, Massachusetts are calling for the City Council to adopt a resolution to replace the state's flag and seal, claiming it promotes racism.
Read more »
TEXIT: State representative introduces Texas Independence Referendum Act in state legislatureA conservative state representative introduced a bill in the Texas state legislature on Monday. If passed, it would give residents a chance to vote on the state seceding from the United States.
Read more »
Ivey picks special guest to attend Tuesday’s state of the state addressGov. Kay Ivey will deliver the annual state of the state address to a joint session of the Alabama Legislature Tuesday evening.
Read more »
Governor Gavin Newsom won’t deliver State of the State speechCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom will not give a State of the State address this year. He will instead travel the state on a four-day tour to highlight his major policy priorities.
Read more »
Gov. Gavin Newsom won't deliver a State of the State speech to Californians this yearBecause of his dyslexia, California Gov. Gavin Newsom won't give a State of the State address this year in favor of a statewide tour.
Read more »