COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations trending downward in US

Public health experts say they are feeling hopeful that more declines are ahead and that the country is shifting from being in a pandemic to an ‘endemic’ that is more consistent and predictable.

Newark extends mask mandate but eases proof-of-vax rule

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has extended the mandatory mask-wearing requirement for all indoor public facilities through at least Feb. 28. But if COVID numbers continue to decline, he will end the mandate after that.

While NYC restaurants struggle, some good news from suburbs

Reservations at Manhattan restaurants were down more than 60% in January 2022 compared to January 2020 but some restaurants in New Jersey and Long Island are actually seeing an uptick in business, thanks to looser pandemic rules.