US reports 1st case of omicron COVID-19 variant in returning traveler
The U.S. recorded its first confirmed case of the omicron variant Wednesday in a person in California who had been to South Africa. Scientists are still unclear whether the new variant is more dangerous than previous ones.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inflation surges globally as economies reel from pandemic
Rising inflation is leading to price increases for food, gas and other products and pushing many people to choose between digging deeper into their pockets or tightening their belts. In developing economies, it's especially dire.
Biden: Omicron variant ‘cause for concern’ but not panic, pushes COVID-19 shots
President Joe Biden urged Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot amid the new omicron variant.
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.
Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain
The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.
Omicron variant: WHO says new COVID-19 strain shows increased reinfection risk
The World Health Organization called a special session to flesh out information about a worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.
1st MIS-C child death reported in Virginia; health condition is associated with COVID-19
The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed a death from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) – a health condition that is associated with COVID-19.
South African health minister calls travel restrictions 'knee-jerk reaction' to variant
Dr. Joe Phaahla, the Health Minister of South Africa took issue with countries who've enacted travel bans on South Africa after they identified a new COVID-19 variant.
EU, UK, Israel to halt air travel to southern Africa following new COVID-19 variant
Although WHO cautioned against hastily imposing travel restrictions linked to the new variant, the 27-nation European Union said it would propose stopping air travel from southern Africa.
Stocks sink on new COVID variant; Dow loses 1,000 points
A day after the Stock Market was closed for Thanksgiving, news of a new COVID-19 variant sent stocks falling, with the Dow losing 1,000 points.
FDA finds Merck COVID-19 pill effective, seeks outside experts on safety
U.S. health officials say Merck's experimental COVID-19 pill is effective but they raised questions about its safety during pregnancy.
Portugal returns to COVID-19 restrictions, despite high vaccination rate
A recent rise in coronavirus infections compelled the government to act, Prime Minister António Costa said Thursday.