Health officials let COVID-infected nurses and healthcare workers keep working
California health authorities announced over the weekend that hospital staff members who test positive but are symptom-free can continue working. Some hospitals in Rhode Island and Arizona have likewise told employees they can stay on the job if they have no symptoms or just mild ones.
Pfizer: Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine human trials to begin late January
Pfizer confirmed it plans to start human trials of its omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine later this month, potentially making it available to the public as soon as March.
Private insurers to cover home COVID-19 tests starting Saturday
Under the new policy, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursement, up to the monthly per-person limit.
T cells from common colds may help protect against COVID-19, study suggests
T cells generated from the common cold may help protect against COVID-19, a new study found. But researchers stressed that "no one should rely on this alone."
Mother charged after son found in trunk of car at COVID-19 testing site, DA says
A Houston-area mother is charged after her teen son was found in the trunk of her car at a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site, according to court documents. She says her son had tested positive for COVID-19 and was trying to prevent her exposure.
COVID vaccine mandate: Supreme Court weighs rules for businesses, health care
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about the vaccine-or-testing requirement for large employers and a separate mandate for health care workers.
Royal Caribbean, Norweigan cancel cruises amid omicron outbreak fears
Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line announced the cancellation of some voyages amid the spread of omicron and “ongoing travel restrictions.”
What type of face mask is best amid the recent omicron surge
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to pick masks with two or more layers and a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out the top.
Record weekly COVID-19 cases reported worldwide but fewer deaths, WHO says
The World Health Organization noted a 71% increase from the previous 7-day period that the U.N. health agency likened to a “tsunami.”
New COVID-19 variant named IHU discovered in France
A new COVID-19 variant named IHU has been detected in France
When will surge of omicron COVID-19 cases ease?
Dr. Jeffrey Shaman of Columbia University projects the US will see its peak of new cases during the week of January 16, when the daily average will near 750,000.
Parents spent more quality time with their kids during COVID-19 pandemic's start, survey finds
A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that parents shared more meals and spent more quality time together with their children at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic than they had in previous years.
Yale students must quarantine on campus amid COVID-19 surge, encouraged not to eat at local restaurants
For meals, students have access to 'grab-and-go' food from the school or may order curbside pickup.
2022 Grammy Awards postponed amid Omicron surge
The Recording Academy announced Music's Biggest Night has been postponed due to the uncertainty of the Omicron variant.
‘Flurona’: What you need to know about the flu, COVID-19 dual illness
Cases of “flurona,” which is the casual term to describe a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 and influenza at the same time, are popping up in the United States.
Omicron symptoms: Is that runny nose COVID-19 or a common cold?
How can you tell the difference between COVID-19, a common cold and the flu? Cook Children's Medical Center said it can be nearly impossible to tell without a test because the most common symptoms of the omicron variant are similar to those of a cold or the flu.
Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID-19 lately?
People might mistakenly think the COVID-19 vaccines will completely block infection, but the shots are mainly designed to prevent severe illness, one virus researcher says.
Walmart and Kroger raise prices for BinaxNOW rapid COVID-19 tests
The companies previously sold them at cost
AAP: Child COVID-19 cases hit highest level since pandemic’s start
“COVID-19 cases among US children have reached the highest case count ever reported since the start of the pandemic," the American Academy of Pediatrics said.
Milwaukee police, security at COVID testing sites after altercations
The Milwaukee Police Department and security companies are providing COVID-19 test site security after reports of some altercations and line cutting.