Biden Signs Legislation Ending Covid 19 National Emergency

The Covid 19 national emergency enacted by then-President Donald Trump in March 2020 was officially ended on Monday by President Joe Biden.

1 minute read

April 11, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


President Joe Biden signed legislation on Monday that ended the Covid 19 national emergency a few weeks before it was set to expire. President Biden signed the legislation behind closed doors after opposing the legislation but stopping short of a veto.

The legislation enables changes including the end of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s COVID-19 mortgage forbearance program. More than 1.13 million Americans have died of Covid 19 in the last three-plus years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 1,700 Americans died of Covid 19 in the week ending on April 5.

While the legislation ends the national emergency, the public health emergency will continue until May 11, according to multiple reports.

News coverage of the legislation’s approval is available from the Associated Press, the Washington Post, CNN, Politico, and more.

Planetizen has been tracking the pandemic’s influence on communities and the practice of planning for the past three years. Revisit some of the historical record on Planetizen’s pages:

Monday, April 10, 2023 in CNN

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.