; and (B) provides a statement to the Secretary of Homeland Security attesting that the alien is engaged in or will engage in the practice of medicine or medical research involving the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of COVID–19. (3) Period described The period described in this paragraph is the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this title and ending 180 days after the termination of the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d ), with respect to COVID–19. (b) Expedited processing of nonimmigrant petitions and applications (1) In general In accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the processing of applications and petitions seeking employment or classification of an alien as a nonimmigrant to practice medicine, provide healthcare, engage in medical research, or participate in a graduate medical education or training program involving the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of COVID–19. (2) Applications or petitions for new employment or change of status (A) Initial review Not later than 15 days after the Secretary of Homeland Security receives an application or petition for new employment or change of status described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct an initial review of such application or petition and, if additional evidence is required, shall issue a request for evidence. (B) Decision (i) In general The Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue a final decision on an application or petition described in paragraph (1) not later than 30 days after receipt of such application or petition, or, if a request for evidence is issued, not later than 15 days after the Secretary receives the applicant or petitioner’s response to such request. (ii) E-mail In addition to delivery through regular mail services, decisions described in clause (i) shall be transmitted to the applicant or petitioner via electronic mail, if