After more than two years of heightening response and awareness in every corner of U.S. society, the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE) and national emergency is sticking around a few months longer. Originally set to expire on March 1 and April 11, respectively, both will finally come to an end on May 11, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration announced in January.

The Biden-Harris administration said in a statement that the extensions allow for a wind down that aligns with its commitment to give at least 60 days’ notice prior to terminating the PHE. Continuing the emergency declarations until May 2023 “does not impose any restriction at all on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19.” It does not mandate masks or vaccinations, restrict school or business operations, or require use of any medications or tests for COVID-19.

The U.S. Congress drafted a resolution and bill to end the emergency, but the Biden-Harris administration opposed both because they may have “highly significant impacts on our nation’s health system and government operations.”