In early January, the federal government extended the COVID-19 public health emergency through April 11, 2023. This action impacts group health plan coverage requirements related to testing and related services. Effective March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires group health plans and...
On July 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration has been extended for an additional 90 days. First enacted in January 2020, the latest renewal of this emergency declaration comes as the nation’s daily...
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) recently updated its emergency temporary standards (ETS) to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, effective from May 6, 2022 to December 21, 2022. Under the revised ETS, many regulations remain unchanged. However, there are some significant revisions...
Worry, fear, sadness and exhaustion are expected emotional responses to a global crisis such as the pandemic. However, the mental health impacts associated with reopening should also be taken very seriously. Why do so many people feel nervous and fearful about returning to in-person interactions? According...
Vaccinations for COVID-19 have been free and readily available to adults across the U.S. since mid-April 2021. The vaccines are highly safe and effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death. They also reduce the likelihood of mild or asymptomatic infection. However, vaccination rates have lagged...