Wisconsin DHS details end of emergency response to COVID-19 pandemic

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced it has been making plans to move away from an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes after the federal government announced the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will end May 11. 

DHS said in a news release, Wisconsin COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths are significantly lower than they were during the surge in late 2021 and early 2022. 

DHS continues to transition its emergency COVID-19 response programs and services. Some programs, including COVID-19 testing and vaccine services, will continue to undergo changes in the coming months. 

“The declaration of a public health emergency helped support Wisconsin’s efforts to combat COVID-19 with resources that saved lives statewide,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “As the federal public health emergency declaration nears its end, DHS will continue to shift our COVID-19 response operations. However, it is critical that Wisconsinites know this does not mean COVID-19 has gone away. The virus remains a threat to health, and we must continue to care for ourselves and each other.” 

DHS says monitoring of COVID-19 will continue. For a look at what's changing and not changing, CLICK HERE.