Because of the new hike in Omicron subvariant BA.2 cases,  U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra today extended the COVID-19 public health emergency determination for an additional 90 days, effective April 16. This is the ninth such extension since the original declaration.

This means that all waivers will continue through at least the end of July. The travel mask mandate has also been extended until May 3, 2022.

Congress also recently extended the current COVID-19 pandemic telehealth waivers for five months beyond the end of the public health emergency.