Omicron variant was in Europe before it was detected in South Africa, Dutch health agency says
Dutch health officials say the coronavirus omicron variant was in Europe before South Africa reported it to the World Health Organization.
Omicron-specific vaccine testing underway: Moderna chairman responds to first omicron variant detected in US
Moderna chairman Noubar Afeyan joined "The Claman Countdown" Wednesday shortly after the first case of the omicron variant was reportedly detected in the U.S. to express concern for the nature of the new strand.
Marcus Lamb, CEO of anti-vaccine Daystar Christian network, dies of COVID-19
“It’s with a heavy heart we announce that Marcus Lamb, president and founder of Daystar Television Network, went home to be with the Lord this morning,” the network said a tweet Tuesday.
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.
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."
Family plans to file civil suit after daughter with Down syndrome had face mask tied to head in school
A family’s face mask claim is put under the microscope after getting nationwide attention.
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.
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.
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.
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.