Biden Administration Clings to Emergency Pandemic Powers

 The Biden administration on Thursday renewed COVID-19’s status as a public health emergency through Jan. 11, despite President Biden stating last month that he believes “the pandemic is over.” 

First declared in January 2020, the public health emergency has been extended every 90 days with no signs of letting up given the health services that are tied to it. 

The decision means pandemic programs that have helped support hospitals and expand health coverage will remain in place. Under the designation, pharmacists have been allowed to administer Covid-19 shots. People on...