First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California
The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.
Omicron variant: Airlines must ID passengers who traveled through southern Africa, CDC says
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered all airlines to turn over the names of passengers who have traveled to southern African countries now under travel restrictions.
Gilead says it expects remdesivir to remain effective against omicron variant
Gilead Sciences, the maker of Veklury, said it expects the antiviral drug to remain effective against the new omicron variant and will conduct further testing.
Family plans to file civil suit after daughter with Down syndrome had face mask tied to head in school
A family’s face mask claim is put under the microscope after getting nationwide attention.
U.S. to toughen testing for travelers as omicron threat looms
CDC says it is working toward requiring that all air travelers to the U.S. be tested for COVID-19 within a day before boarding their flight. Under the current rules, travelers who are fully vaccinated may present a test taken within three days of boarding.
NY jail and prison staff not complying with COVID mandates face suspension
The union that represents correctional officers in New York City is threatening legal action against the city over the vaccine mandate. About 23% of city jail staff have not been vaccinated and are facing suspension without pay.
Lakers' LeBron James enters COVID-19 protocols, scratched from lineup
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is out for Tuesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings due to NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Scavenger hunt benefits street food vendors
The Urban Justice Center's Street Vendor Project has launched a citywide scavenger hunt to help local vendors rebound from the pandemic fallout.
Powell says Federal Reserve may accelerate pullback in economic support
Chair Jerome Powell said that the Federal Reserve will consider acting more quickly to dial back its ultra-low-interest rate policies to counter higher inflation.
US improves surveillance for tracking new coronavirus variants
Viruses mutate constantly. To find and track new versions of the coronavirus, scientists analyze the genetic makeup of a portion of samples that test positive.
Gov. Hochul concerned about 'COVID fatigue' as omicron variant looms
Gov. Kathy Hochul expects the state to experience a surge in infections starting in the next few days because of holiday gatherings. She said she is concerned that people are emotionally tired of the pandemic.
COVID-19 vaccine makers exploring if omicron versions of shots are needed
Officials from Moderna and Pfizer are assessing their responses to the new COVID-19 variant omicron and say it will take months to develop a tweaked shot if needed.
Cyber Monday caps holiday shopping weekend
Americans are spending freely and going back to store shopping, knocking out some of the momentum in online sales from last year. But shopper traffic on Black Friday was still below pre-pandemic levels in part because retailers spread out big deals starting in October.
Illinois family credits Ivermectin with saving life of father hospitalized with COVID-19
An Illinois family whose loved one was "desperately ill" and hospitalized earlier this month with COVID-19 says he's now home and doing well after a judge had to order a Naperville hospital to treat him with Ivermectin.
Federal Reserve: Omicron variant could make supply chain backlog, inflation worse
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says that the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant could slow the economy and hiring.
Omicron variant: CDC expands COVID-19 booster recommendation to all adults 18 and older
"Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
New York City health commissioner recommends mask wearing indoors
New York City's health commissioner is "strongly recommending" that everyone wear masks in indoor public settings due to the omicron variant.
WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'
The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.
Biden COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers blocked in 10 states
A federal judge has blocked President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on health care workers in 10 states.
Lockdown-free Florida is top vacation spot for holidays
Florida tourism has been buoyed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ pro-business, anti-mask restrictions.