CDC warns against cruise ship travel, 'regardless of vaccination status'
In a potentially ominous message for Florida’s cruise-ship industry, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that people should avoid cruise travel “regardless of vaccination status” because of the spread of COVID-19.
Chicago teacher quarantines in plane’s bathroom for 4 hours after testing positive for COVID-19
A woman who flew to Iceland last week said she quarantined in a bathroom for four hours after finding out, mid-flight, that she had COVID-19, according to reports.
COVID-19 leaves US children hospitalized in near-record numbers
During the week of Dec. 21-27, an average of 334 children with the coronavirus were admitted per day to hospitals, a 58% increase from the week before.
COVID, cold or flu? Pay attention to timing, symptoms, doctor says
With the rapid spread of the seemingly milder omicron variant, many have asked how to tell the difference between the virus and the common cold. One Tampa doctor explains how you can determine which illness you're dealing with.
Florida mayor blasts DeSantis, says governor has been MIA during omicron surge
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings blasted Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying he has been missing in action during the latest wave of COVID-19 in the state and that all Floridians "should be outraged."
University of Miami to start next semester remotely amid COVID surge
The University of Miami will start the spring semester with remote-only classes amid surging cases of COVID-19 in South Florida, school officials said.
Calls to cancel New Years Eve celebration in Times Square, mayor says show will go on
Even as COVID cases rise, preparations continue in Times Square for the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration in the world. Now, there are calls to cancel the event as have officials in other major cities.
Mill Valley family takes COVID testing to new level ahead of New Year's Eve party
A family from Mill Valley is requiring guests for their New Year's Eve house party be vaccinated, boosted and sign up for a PCR test at their house hours before the event to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
'Together we will grieve': Hillsborough deputy of 23 years dies by suicide at Ruskin home
A Hillsborough County deputy, who has been with the agency for over two decades, has taken his own life, the sheriff announced.
Mexico approves use of Cuba’s Abdala coronavirus vaccine
Mexico’s health safety council has approved the use of Cuba’s three-dose Abdala coronavirus vaccine.
Virus postpones Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show
The Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show has become the latest major event to be postponed or canceled.
City of Tampa reinstates mask mandate in all city buildings amid COVID surge
The city of Tampa is reinstating its mask mandate in all city buildings due to the rise of COVID-19 cases. The announcement comes one day after Hillsborough County said it would once again require masks to be worn inside all county facilities.
CDC monitors, investigates at least 73 cruise ships following COVID-19 outbreaks
As of Monday, 73 cruise ships were sailing at yellow or orange status, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ships with orange or yellow status are currently being monitored or investigated due to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on board.
More cruise ships under CDC investigation due to rising COVID cases
The CDC is investigating more cruise ships due to new cases of COVID-19, with 88 vessels either under investigation or observation, including ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney cruises.
Should Americans cancel New Year's Eve plans? Fauci says it depends
Fauci said small gatherings are OK, but big parties are 'strongly' discouraged.
COVID-19 hospitalizations jump again as Florida sets new record for single day cases
Florida set a new record for single-day COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 46,923 new infections. With coronavirus cases surging, the number of Florida hospital inpatients with COVID-19 has also grown.
Florida public university officials urge vaccinations, masks on campus ahead of spring semester
Saying it is “clear the pandemic is not over,” top Florida university system officials are asking students and employees to wear masks on campus and get booster shots to protect against COVID-19 as the spring semester prepares to start.
Cytomegalovirus: What the CDC wants you to know during the holiday
According to the CDC, cytomegalovirus is a common virus that can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands.
Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Tampa to open additional COVID-19 testing locations as cases rise
Several new COVID-19 testing sites will open this week in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and Tampa due to increased demand for tests.
Florida surgeon general accuses White House of 'actively preventing' distribution of antibody treatments
The Florida Surgeon General accused the Biden administration of "actively preventing the effective distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments" in the U.S. after the White House scaled back treatments manufactured by companies like Regeneron amid claims they are not effective against omicron.