Health Department prepares for end of COVID-19 public health emergency

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department plans to change its processes as the federal government's COVID-19 public health emergency is expected to end this month.

The PHE is expected to come to an end on May 11, according to a Health Department news release.

As a result, federal reimbursement for COVID-19 testing will end, and Health Department officials plan to stop testing on May 12. They’ll also remove its testing map and online scheduling system.

"People are encouraged to contact their doctor or another health care provider if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and need testing. Home testing kits are also available at most pharmacies and drug stores," Health Department officials said in the release.

Additionally, the Health Department is closing its COVID-19 call center on May 12 and sunsetting its COVID-19 dashboard.

The Health Department will continue to offer free COVID-19 vaccines as supply allows, according to the release.