Although Gov. Doug Ducey ended the state of emergency for COVID-19 in Arizona a couple weeks ago, the federal government has extended its emergency declaration until July. 

The key difference is the federal government's state of emergency requires Medicaid to keep their clients on public assistance, private insurance to reimburse Rapid Antigen tests, and vaccines to remain free. 

Will Humble is the executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.

“It’s important to end it when it’s appropriate. And I think we are in that transition period now in mid-April to mid-July when it’s gonna be really the appropriate choice to end the public health emergency," Humble said. 

Humble added he expects this to be the last extension from the federal government.