With End of COVID-19 Emergency, Somerset County Transitions to New Posture in Protecting Public Health

The Somerset County Clinic Operations Team photographed upon the one-year anniversary of the pandemic in 2021.

SOMERVILLE, NJ – With the formal end to the nationwide COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023, Somerset County announces the transition to a new posture of protecting residents against the disease while encouraging a return to normal life.

“As we transition away from the emergency phase of the response, the Somerset County Department of Health remains dedicated to monitoring disease trends, protecting all residents from severe illness and death from COVID-19, and sharing available resources with the community,” said Michael McCarty, Deputy Director of Health for Somerset County.

Somerset County had a highly effective public health response to the pandemic, achieving high levels of vaccination very quickly. More than 90% of Somerset County residents ages 5 years and older have been vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Since vaccination began in December 2020, the Somerset County Department of Health administered a total of 68,493 COVID-19 vaccines.

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Somerset County Department of Health who did so much to protect us during the worst public health emergency in a century,” said Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Douglas Singleterry, who is the liaison to the Department of Health & Safety. “They acted swiftly, effectively, and with compassion in helping to minimize the spread of the disease and in vaccinating our residents.”

The end of the public health emergency declaration will impact measures associated with COVID-19 vaccines, testing, treatment, and reporting in the following ways:

• COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters will remain free for all adults and children as long as the supply of federally purchased vaccines last.
• COVID-19 at-home tests may not be covered by insurance.
• Treatments such as Paxlovid will remain available while supplies last. After that, coverage may vary by insurance type.
• National reporting of COVID-19 data and surveillance may change in frequency, source, or availability.

With the potential changes in insurance coverage and reimbursement, the SCDOH encourages all individuals to be proactive and get vaccinated when eligible. Currently, adults aged 65 and older, and those who are immunocompromised are eligible for another dose of the latest (bivalent) vaccines.

All Somerset County COVID-19 vaccination clinics are listed at SoCoNJ.gov/vaxclinics. Residents who are unable to visit a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic can call or text (844) 569-0390 to schedule an appointment for a vaccine, as the SCDOH continues to vaccinate homebound individuals and families.

While the end of the PHE indicates forward progress in the fight against COVID-19, it does not mean the virus is no longer a threat. All residents should continue to take action to protect themselves and others as follows:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.
• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces & crowds.
• Move activities outside, when possible.
• Monitor health daily and stay home when sick.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
• Follow recommendations if you’ve been exposed.
• Follow CDC mask recommendations when community levels are medium or high.

If you plan to travel during the spring or summer months, get the most up-to-date information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

It is important to stay informed through reliable resources. Follow public health experts such as the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/, the New Jersey Department of Health at http://www.nj.gov/health, and the Somerset County Department of Health at SoCoNJ.gov/health.

The Somerset County Department of Health is the lead agency for public health emergency preparedness and response in Somerset County. Funding for these activities is provided by the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement through the New Jersey Department of Health.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.