Key Official Status Points (from CDC and other US sources):

• Public Health Emergency Ended: The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration ended on May 11, 2023. Most related emergency authorities and flexibilities have phased out.

• Current Activity Level: Very low nationally.

  • COVID-19 infections are declining or likely declining in most states (38 as of early June 2026), stable in others, with very low emergency department visit percentages (~0.1%) and low hospitalization/death rates.

  • Wastewater levels, test positivity, and other indicators show minimal circulation compared to peak pandemic years.

• Deaths and Severity: COVID-19 accounts for a very small percentage of deaths (e.g., ~0.1% in recent weeks). It has dropped significantly as a leading cause of death (from 4th in 2022 to lower rankings). Most people have some immunity from vaccines, prior infection, or both.

• Vaccines: CDC recommends the 2025-2026 updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with decisions often individualized (especially for healthy people). It targets current strains. Higher-risk groups (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised) are encouraged to stay up to date.

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Context:

COVID-19 is treated like other seasonal respiratory viruses (flu, RSV). Surveillance continues via CDC systems, but routine case reporting has scaled back significantly since the emergency ended. The US has withdrawn from the WHO (as of early 2026), shifting focus to domestic and bilateral efforts.

For the most up-to-date local info, check the CDC COVID-19 surveillance page or your state's health department. Standard precautions (hand hygiene, staying home when sick, ventilation) still help, especially for vulnerable individuals.