COVID-19 subvariants spread more quickly, not as deadly, health experts say

Health experts are warning of the omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 after research shows they're more contagious than any of the other previous variants.

New executive order aimed at lowering prescription drug prices in Florida

A new executive order is slated to help Floridians pay less for prescription drugs, adding more rules for the pharmacy and manufacturer middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers. 

NYC COVID: Health department urges use of masks in public places and in crowds outdoors

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is recommending all New Yorkers wear masks in certain settings, again, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Big Olaf Creamery agrees to recall ice cream after listeria outbreak, Florida health officials say

The Florida Department of Health said Friday afternoon that Big Olaf Creamery agreed to a recall of its ice cream. This comes after the Florida Department of Health and CDC linked the Sarasota-based ice cream maker to a deadly listeria outbreak. 

COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 could be ‘worst’ so far, doctors say

Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible, and early evidence shows both are capable of evading immune responses from previous infection as well as current COVID-19 vaccines.

Safety officials warn of 'extreme risks' leaving kids in cars as temperatures rise

As summer temperatures continue to rise, safety officials are warning parents not to leave kids alone in a car. They said children dying of heat stroke can happen to even the most dialed-in parent. 

Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback

The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.

13-year-old protesting abortion restrictions detained by Lakeland police, gains Nikki Fried support

Days after she was detained at a protest in Lakeland, a 13-year-old returned Thursday to protest against abortion restrictions, gaining support from Tampa Bay residents and Florida’s agriculture commissioner.

Listeria Outbreak: Woman who miscarried files lawsuit against Big Olaf Creamery

A second lawsuit has been filed against the Sarasota-based ice cream company linked to a listeria outbreak. A pregnant Massachusetts woman says she nearly died and suffered a miscarriage after getting the illness. 

Florida reports 4 additional monkeypox cases in Pinellas, 1 in Polk

Florida health officials reported three new cases of monkeypox in Pinellas County and an additional case in Polk County, bringing the total number of cases in the Bay Area to seven.

New vaccine could protect against COVID-19 variants before they emerge

The vaccine works by using spike proteins from SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — and seven other related animal viruses with the potential to cause a pandemic in humans.

Norwegian Cruise Line dropping required COVID-19 tests for some ships originating outside the U.S.

Norwegian Cruise Line is changing their COVID-19 testing policy beginning Aug. 1. They are dropping testing requirements except on ships sailing from places with local testing rules, including in the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Greece.

Toxic 'forever chemicals' found in Tampa Bay oysters, study finds

Florida International University says oysters from Biscayne Bay, the Marco Island area and Tampa Bay all contained so-called forever chemicals, which have been linked to adverse health impacts.

COVID-19 endemic stage could be two years away

The coronavirus pandemic could last for nearly two more years before becoming an endemic according to new Yale research.

Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says

The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.

CDC expanding monkeypox testing with commercial laboratories

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced LabCorp will begin utilizing its largest clinical laboratory to increase nationwide testing capacity on monkeypox. 

Florida's 15-week abortion ban reinstated after state quickly appeals judge's ruling

Florida's new 15-week abortion ban was blocked and then quickly reinstated Tuesday after an appeal from the state attorney general in a lawsuit challenging the restriction.