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.

Pentagon chief says National Guard members who refuse vaccine cannot train to maintain status

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has decided that National Guard members who refuse COVID-19 vaccination will be barred from federally funded drills and training required to maintain their Guard status, saying, "Vaccination is essential to the health and readiness of the force."

Seniors relive great memories at 50s-themed center in Sarasota

A new day center in Sarasota gives seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's the chance to resurrect memories of their younger years, with a 50s-themed diner, movie theater, and art space.

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.

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.

Lockdown-free Florida top vacation spot for holiday season

Cooped-up tourists eager for a taste of Florida’s sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and warmer climates are visiting the Sunshine State in droves, topping pre-pandemic levels in recent months.

Scientists race to develop variant-proof 'super vaccine'

The potential for variants to evade current COVID-19 vaccines has scientists from Pfizer and Moderna racing to develop yet another new type of shot that many are calling a ‘super vaccine,’ which could be variant-proof.

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.

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.

Judge to look again at health care shots mandate

Pointing to a new state law, a federal judge has decided to reconsider Florida’s request for an injunction against a Biden administration requirement that workers at hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care providers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.”