• 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
ONLY ON LIMAOHIO.COM
See more local coverage about COVID-19 at LimaOhio.com/tag/coronavirus.
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].