Omicron COVID-19 case detected in Colorado
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted for the public to not “panic” and further stressed the need for Coloradans to get vaccinated or boosted as well as adhere to preventative health guidelines.
Amid omicron COVID-19 variant worries, US still battling delta wave
While all eyes are on the new and little-understood omicron variant, the delta form of the coronavirus isn’t finished wreaking havoc in the U.S., sending record numbers of patients to the hospital in some states, especially in the Midwest and New England.
Biden's new winter COVID-19 plan includes reimbursement for at-home tests
Biden is unveiling a winter plan to combat COVID-19 and its new omicron variant with more availability of shots and vaccines but without major new restrictions.
Germany bans unvaccinated from nonessential stores, recreational venues
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.
Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60
Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.
Marcus Lamb, CEO of anti-vaccine Daystar Christian network, dies of COVID-19
“It’s with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning,” the network said a tweet Tuesday.
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.
COVID vaccine verification digital record offered in WA
Washington state has started offering residents a digital record of their coronavirus vaccinations that can be used to access businesses and other places where vaccine proof is required.
Merck COVID-19 pill: FDA health panel endorses experimental at-home drug for virus
FDA health panel endorses Merck COVID-19 pill, paving way for U.S. authorization of the first at-home drug for virus.
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.
No confirmed COVID Omicron variant cases in Washington yet; hospital leaders urge booster shots
As the COVID-19 Delta variant surge is slowing down, global concern for the new Omicron variant is picking up.
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.
Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics, WHO chief says
The WHO is pushing for an international accord to help prevent future pandemics amid the emergence of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
Merriam-Webster declares 'vaccine' as 2021 word of the year
Merriam-Webster has declared an omnipresent truth as its 2021 word of the year: vaccine. Last year, it chose “pandemic.”
WHO disagrees with flight bans over omicron variant
WHO's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, called on countries to follow science and international health regulations in order to avoid using travel restrictions.