Omicron variant is milder but better at evading vaccines, South African data indicates
The omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous strains, South African data suggests. But the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection.
Vaccine mandate in effect for NYC children 5-11 years old
Children 5-11 years old must now show proof of at least one COVID dose for indoor dining, entertainment, gyms and to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities in New York City.
New Nassau County executive says he won't enforce indoor mask mandate
Incoming Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is among several county executives in New York who will not enforce the indoor mask mandate set forth by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Pfizer: COVID-19 pill remains effective against severe disease, omicron variant
Pfizer said its experimental COVID-19 pill Paxlovid reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 89% among high-risk adults when taken shortly after initial symptoms.
Supreme Court won't block New York's vaccine mandate for health workers
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for New York health care workers who are seeking a religious exemption.
One year of COVID vaccines: Many lives saved, many needlessly lost
The first full year of the biggest vaccination drive in American history has saved many lives but has left many behind. The COVID-19 vaccines have proven incredibly safe and wildly effective, and many hoped they would bring an end to the crisis. But a year later, too many Americans remain unvaccinated and too many are dying.
Air Force discharges 27 for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
The Air Force has discharged 27 people for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, making them what officials believe are the first service members to be removed for disobeying the mandate to get the shots.
New York City to mark 1 year anniversary of first COVID shot
Tuesday marks one year since a critical care nurse at a hospital in Queens became the first person in the United States to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Man gets vaccinated up to 10 times in a single day
A man allegedly got vaccinated against COVID-19 as many as 10 times in a single day. Here's why:
NY indoor mask mandate in effect for all public places without vaccine requirement
New York's indoor mask mandate began Monday, meaning mask-wearing was required in all indoor public places unless the businesses or venues implemented a vaccine requirement.
Fauci: Americans may 'just have to deal with' more COVID boosters
Dr. Anthony Fauci made the statement on Sunday morning and said that the level of protection that the current coronavirus booster shots give to individuals will have to be monitored closely over the next several months.
NY religious organizations prepare for indoor mask mandate
The mandate, which begins Monday, will run until at least January 15, at which point Governor Kathy Hochul says she will re-evaluate based on the number of cases.
Dr. Oz says Fauci should be ‘held accountable,’ suggests he resign after ‘misleading’ Americans on COVID
"Dr. Anthony Fauci has lost the faith and confidence of the American people," Oz said. "It’s time for a new face talking to the American people, one that is more trusted."
Nurses from downstate headed to western NY amid COVID surge
Gov. Kathy Hochul says nurses employed by Long Island-based Northwell Health have been dispatched to western New York to help at two hospitals dealing with a surge in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations.
Navy commander loses job after refusing COVID-19 vaccine
Cmdr. Lucian Kins was relieved of his duties Friday as second in command of the USS Winston Churchill, a destroyer, by Navy Capt. Ken Anderson, commander of Naval Surface Squadron 14.
New York indoor mask mandate for places without vaccine requirement
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an indoor mask mandate Friday for all public places that do not require proof of vaccination.
Scientists seek COVID-19 origin nearly 2 years into pandemic
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the origin of the virus tormenting the world remains shrouded in mystery.
In US, more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Over 200 million people in the U.S. — or about 60% of the total population — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even as cases and hospitalizations climb.
WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines
The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.
FDA expands Pfizer COVID booster, 3rd dose available for 16 and 17 years olds
The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters, opening a third dose of Pfizer's vaccine to people as young as age 16.