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As a result of the continued consequences of Hurricane Maria on the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Alex M. Azar II, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective March 16, 2018, in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the September 19, 2017, determination by former Secretary Thomas E. Price, which former Acting Secretary Eric D. Hargan previously renewed effective December 16, 2017, that a public health emergency exists and has existed since September 17, 2017, in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
March 16, 2018_____________________________Date
/s/_____________________________Alex M. Azar, II
Legal Authorities: Public Health Actions