Washington, Jan. 11.- The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today renewed the public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic amid concerns about a more easily transmitted viral mutation.
This announcement by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra marks the twelfth extension of the public health emergency for this disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which was first declared in the country in January 2020.
When it was last renewed three months ago, health officials feared there could be a further increase in winter in some cases.
In fact, this spread comes amid the spread of a more transmissible omicron subvariant making its way through the northeastern United States.
XBB.1.5, which accounts for more than 70 percent of cases in the Northeast and about 28 percent nationwide, is thought to be the most highly transmissible subvariant of the virus detected so far, although it has yet to be determined if it causes an illness more serious than that previous.
Health authorities urged the population to get the updated vaccine to protect against the Omicron strain. “Our message is simple: get an up-to-date vaccine this winter. It’s safe and effective,” said an HHS spokesman.
The end of the public health emergency due to COVID-19 would mean a big change for the Joe Biden administration, which has been working to make this statement since day one, The Hill states. (Text: PL)(Photos: Getty Images)