In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In a Jan. 30, 2023 policy statement, the Biden administration announced plans to end COVID-19 emergency declarations, including the public health emergency (PHE), effective May 11, 2023.
The first U.S. infection of COVID-19 was reported on Jan. 21, 2020. The first confirmed case of person-to-person spread of the virus in the United States was reported on Jan. 30, 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to update daily the number of reported cases in the United States. All 50 states have reported cases of COVID-19 to CDC.
Essential hospitals offer services vital to emergency response efforts nationwide. Federal agencies and other expert sources have made a rich collection of guidance available to help hospitals prepare for and respond to this outbreak of respiratory illness.
America’s Essential Hospitals offers here a rich and growing collection of general and topical resources (see categories below) for essential hospitals and others with an interest in this pandemic. Visit this library regularly for new and updated information.
General information:
- Background about COVID-19
- COVID-19 frequently asked questions
- Information for public health professionals
Travel guidance:
Community resources:
- Biden Administration COVID-19 Priorities
- What to do if you are sick
- Get your mass gatherings or large community events ready
- Mitigation strategies for communities
- HHS Combat COVID Website
- People at risk for serious illness from COVID-19
- Preventing COVID-19 spread in communities (home, school, and work)
- Preparing communities for potential spread of COVID-19
- Interim planning and response guidance for businesses and employers
