Employment Law Report

On July 23, 2020, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar renewed the determination that a Public Health Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic exists. Secretary Azar first declared the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on January 27, 2020 and first renewed that declaration on April 21. This renewal was due to expire on July 25. The emergency powers granted through a Public Health Emergency have empowered the expansion of telehealth, emergency approval of new drugs and tests, and a host of waivers and flexibilities to facilitate and aid providers’ treatment of their patients through the COVID-19 pandemic. This new expansion will last for 90 days until late October.