This week’s updates on the coronavirus pandemic

• The World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 global emergency Friday, less than one week before the U.S. government’s public health emergency declaration expires May 11.

The emergency declaration, which has been in place since January 2020, allowed the federal government to expand eligibility for food assistance and continuous Medicaid coverage amid mass layoffs and economic uncertainty.

The declaration also enabled the government to waive rules so that Americans had access to free coronavirus tests, vaccines and certain treatments.

Americans with private insurance or Medicare should expect to pay for over-the-counter tests, which were previously reimbursable, as well as physician-ordered PCR tests when the emergency declaration ends May 11.

Medicaid beneficiaries will continue to have access to free coronavirus tests through September 2024, while vaccines will continue to be free regardless of insurance for the time being.

Allen County

Cases ` 34,458 ` +12

Deaths ` 514 ` +1

Recovered ` 33,776 ` +44

Auglaize County

Cases ` 14,454 ` +7

Deaths ` 204 ` 0

Recovered ` 14,157 ` +19

Hardin County

Cases ` 8,910 ` +6

Deaths ` 167 ` 0

Recovered ` 8,727 ` +11

Putnam County

Cases ` 10,041 ` +5

Deaths ` 169 ` 0

Recovered ` 9,821 ` +8

Van Wert County

Cases ` 8,303 ` +9

Deaths ` 163 ` 0

Recovered ` 8,128 ` +7

Ohio

Cases ` 3,441,458 ` +2,978

Deaths ` 42,213 ` +39

Recovered ` 3,384,813 ` +4,463

Recovered defined as symptom onset more than 21 days prior, not deceased. Only verified deaths included now.

Source: coronavirus.ohio.gov

Updated 2 p.m. 5/4/23

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Get the shot

Ohio’s online vaccination scheduling portal shows who’s eligible and which pharmacies, health departments and mass vaccination clinics are closest to your home or workplace. Visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov to schedule your appointment.

Who’s eligible?

•All adults and children age six months and older.

Share your information at [email protected].