Pandemic Over, But Government Continues to Spend Millions
Despite the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declaring an end to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government continues to invest in Covid-19 prevention equipment and measures. A sampling of USASpending.gov records found four new contracts, amounting to $6.5 million, within several weeks related to Covid-19.
On May 11, 2023, the U.S. Public Health Emergency related to the coronavirus pandemic ended. Despite this, agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense continue to spend millions on Covid-19 related contracts.
The Department of Veterans Affairs made multiple investments to fight Covid-19. On August 14, it spent $1.7 million on a contract for “ensuring adequate Covid-19 protocols for federal contractors.” Then, on August 18, it spent $1.3 million on Covid-19 testing materials. Yet another contract is set to begin on September 22, this one for $2 million for more coronavirus, HIV, and HPV tests.
The DOD is also spending money on Covid-19, with a contract beginning Oct. 1 worth $1.5 million for Covid-19 tests for Madigan Army Medical Center.
This is just a small sample of likely tens of millions in Covid-19 expenditures across the government. It’s perplexing why the government continues to spend money on these, since its own health agency has declared the Covid-19 emergency over, as has the World Health Organization.
Additionally, there are likely countless unused coronavirus tests and personal protective equipment still around after massive purchase orders, making it unclear why massive new investments are needed.
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