CDC director: Omicron variant mostly mild so far
The chief of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 40 people in the country have been found to be infected with the omicron variant so far and more than three-quarters of them had been vaccinated.
WHO: Global COVID cases up 11% last week, biggest increase in Americas
The WHO says the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide increased by 11% last week, while newly reported deaths were down 4% globally.
Phoenix mother dies from COVID-19 on Christmas Day, leaving behind 3 kids and fiancé
On Christmas morning, Maurice Turner lost his fiancée, 30-year-old Lareesia Wright. Turner says they both caught COVID-19 in late August, despite taking the pandemic seriously.
The CDC's new quarantine guidelines, simplified
Dr. Michael Teng at the University of South Florida said this about how to take the new guidance: “It is really essential to understand that even though the CDC is letting you out of quarantine or isolation, they still think you’re going to be infectious and can transmit the virus."
Bucs head coach Bruce Arians tests positive for COVID-19, team confirms
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed via Twitter that head coach Bruce Arians tested positive for COVID-19.
Holiday Bowl canceled, UCLA pulls out due to COVID-19
UCLA was scheduled to face North Carolina State in Tuesday's 43rd annual Holiday Bowl. Tuesday afternoon the university announced it would be unable to participate.
Hugh Jackman has COVID; 'Music Man' shows canceled
Hugh Jackman says he tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing cold-like symptoms. As a result, Broadway's 'The Music Man' has canceled shows through Jan. 1.
Hillsborough County brings back mask mandate in county buildings, regardless of vaccination status
Hillsborough County is once again requiring masks inside all county buildings due to the rise of COVID-19 cases. Face coverings will be required indoors at all county facilities for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park to reopen: Here’s when
With Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park's reopening in the new year, park officials announced that several popular attractions will return as well.
1st person in US to get COVID-19 shot now a vaccine activist
The first person in the U.S. to get a COVID-19 vaccine, New York nurse Sandra Lindsay, has since become a prominent face in the vaccination campaign.
Apple closes New York City stores to in-person shopping
The list of COVID-induced closures, cancellations, and changes continues to grow in New York City. Apple has closed its locations in the city to in-store shopping.
Killer Mike seeks family of man who vandalized barbershop so he ‘can get him some help’
Atlanta rapper Killer Mike said someone vandalized his barber located on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta and while he’s mad, he said he wants to reach one of the vandal’s family members to get him the mental health he needs.
Florida sees spike in COVID-19 cases, but hospitals remain OK
Florida is dealing with another wave of COVID-19 infections, but health experts say it still appears the omicron variant causes less severe illness, which is good news for hospitals.
CDC shortens COVID-19 quarantine recommendation to 5 days
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.
Fauci: US should consider vaccine mandate for US air travel
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said the U.S. should consider a vaccination mandate for domestic air travel, signaling a potential embrace of an idea the Biden administration has previously eschewed, as COVID-19 cases spike.
Demand remains high as people line up early at Hillsborough's only COVID-19 testing site
Outside the only Hillsborough County clinic that’s offering COVID-19 testing, a line had already formed, hours before it officially opened on Monday.
TPA seeing minimal cancellations Monday after weekend of travel headaches across U.S.
While hundreds of flights in the U.S. have already been canceled Monday morning, the frustration level at Tampa International Airport is not as high compared to other parts of the country.
Airlines cancel, delay thousands more flights due to omicron, staff shortages
U.S. and international flights were canceled Monday amid citing staffing problems tied to COVID-19 and the spread of the omicron variant.
NYC vaccine mandate for private employers and those 12 and older in effect
A COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all private employers is now in effect in New York City. Also, New Yorkers aged 12 and older are now required to show proof of two vaccine doses to enter most indoor venues.
Long lines at Hillsborough County’s only COVID-19 testing site
A line of people wrapped around the West Tampa Community Resource Center on North Rome Avenue Sunday as COVID-19 testing demand skyrockets.