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.
Food banks get more volunteers but uncertainty looms
One out of four Americans volunteers, performing billions of hours of service annually. The most common volunteerism is collecting, preparing, distributing or serving food. But will rising COVID infections keep volunteers away?
US jobless claims hit lowest level in 52 years amid seasonal volatility
U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 184,000 last week, the lowest since September 1969 — offering more evidence that the job market is recovering.
NJ company admits price gouging N95 masks by 400%
A New Jersey company admitted that it violated price-gouging laws by selling N95 protective masks at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for 400% more than what it paid for them.
Tri-state COVID cases on the rise as threat of Omicron looms
New Jersey's COVID positivity rate has reached over 9%, while New York's number of COVID hospitalizations has jumped 86% in just the last month.
COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What if your child gets the wrong dose?
As efforts continue to vaccinate the nation’s younger population, some parents have reported their kids getting the wrong dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While parents should remain diligent, health experts say it’s no cause for concern.
Senate rejects Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses
The Senate has narrowly approved a resolution to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.
Better.com CEO Vishal Garg apologizes for firing 900 employees over Zoom
Vishal Garg, the CEO of Better.com, apologized for failing to show “the appropriate amount of respect and appreciation” for employees reportedly laid off via Zoom.
US employers posted near-record 11 million open jobs in October
U.S. employers posted 11 million open jobs in October, nearly matching a record high reached in July and a sign that companies were confident enough in the economy to expand.
Alleged kidnapper and teen stopped at Canadian border after invalid COVID-19 tests
A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington on Friday says the 19-year-old man was apprehended by U.S. border agents at the Highgate Springs port of entry on Thursday after he and the girl were refused entry to Canada.
WHO advises against use of COVID-19 survivors' plasma to treat patients battling virus
Experts at the World Health Organization recommended Tuesday against using blood plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19.
WHO: Kids in 5-14 age group account for Europe's highest COVID-19 rates
The WHO's office for Europe said children in the 5 to 14 age group now account for the highest rates of reported COVID-19 infections in the region.
New York confirms more omicron variant cases
Two new cases are from Suffolk County, on Long Island, and two are from central New York.
Cream cheese shortage in New York City
The latest pandemic casualty might hit New Yorkers especially hard. A mysterious cream cheese shortage has crept up, and the fear is real.
Italy to enforce COVID-19 vaccine status checks at indoor restaurants, theaters, museums
Italy is making life more uncomfortable for unvaccinated people as the holidays draw near.
Cops at New Jersey capitol boost COVID rule enforcement
New Jersey State Police have stepped up enforcement of a requirement that statehouse visitors show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test. Troopers stood guard at entrances around the statehouse complex, including little-used doorways.
NYC announces new vaccine mandate for all private sector employers
Beginning Dec. 27, all private-sector employers in New York City must require that their employees be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus, announced Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Better.com CEO tells about 900 employees they’ve been let go over Zoom call: report
Vishal Garg, the CEO of Better.com, was captured in a video on social media informing about 900 employees that they had been terminated.
NYC vaccine mandate includes children as young as 5
Children as young as 5 years old will be required to get vaccines in New York City to enter restaurants and other indoor venues.
Oxford scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine says next pandemic may be worse
Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is warning that more money needs to be devoted to research and preparations.