South African health minister calls travel restrictions 'knee-jerk reaction' to variant
Dr. Joe Phaahla, the Health Minister of South Africa took issue with countries who've enacted travel bans on South Africa after they identified a new COVID-19 variant.
EU, UK, Israel to halt air travel to southern Africa following new COVID-19 variant
Although WHO cautioned against hastily imposing travel restrictions linked to the new variant, the 27-nation European Union said it would propose stopping air travel from southern Africa.
Stocks sink on new COVID variant; Dow loses 1,000 points
A day after the Stock Market was closed for Thanksgiving, news of a new COVID-19 variant sent stocks falling, with the Dow losing 1,000 points.
FDA finds Merck COVID-19 pill effective, seeks outside experts on safety
U.S. health officials say Merck's experimental COVID-19 pill is effective but they raised questions about its safety during pregnancy.
Portugal returns to COVID-19 restrictions, despite high vaccination rate
A recent rise in coronavirus infections compelled the government to act, Prime Minister António Costa said Thursday.
Germany becomes 5th European country to surpass 100K COVID-19 deaths
The national disease control agency said it recorded 351 deaths in connection with the coronavirus over the past 24 hours.
US families struggle with how to conduct 2nd Thanksgiving amid COVID-19 pandemic
The second Thanksgiving of the COVID-19 pandemic comes as a resurgent virus has pushed new infections in the U.S. to 95,000 daily and caused alarming increases at hospitals in Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado and Arizona.
European Union authorizes Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5-11
The European Union has authorized Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for use on children as young as 5 years old.
Survey: Few Americans blame God for COVID-19 pandemic, other tragedies
A large majority of U.S. adults believe that most of the suffering in the world comes from people rather than from God, according to surveys from the Pew Research Center.
Italy's government targets unvaccinated with restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise
The Italian government is targeting unvaccinated people in its latest effort to contain rising coronavirus infections.
Child COVID-19 cases in US up 32% ahead of Thanksgiving, AAP reports
Between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, nearly 142,000 child cases were added — an increase of about 32% from two weeks ago and making up 25.1 percent of all the cases reported that week, AAP reported.
US COVID-19 deaths in 2021 surpass 2020's toll
More than 5 milion people worldwide have died from COVID-19.
Gulfport using federal COVID-19 funds to send everyone $25 -- with one catch
Starting December 10, the city is sending out $25 gift cards by mail to residents, up to $50 for each household. Those gift certificates can be spent at any participating business in town – identified by a sticker in the window – until January 10.
COVID-19 vaccine can be bundled with routine childhood vaccinations, AAP says
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many children to fall behind on their routine vaccine schedules, but the American Academy of Pediatrics is reassuring parents that in addition to those routine inoculations, it is safe for kids to add on the COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC tool shows how to improve airflow during indoor gatherings
The CDC rolled out an interactive tool Wednesday to help measure whether or not you have good airflow in your home ahead of holiday gatherings.
White House: 92% of federal workers vaccinated under mandate with no apparent disruptions
On Tuesday, one day after the deadline for compliance, 92% of the 3.5 million federal workers covered by Biden’s mandate reported to the government that they are at least partially vaccinated, according to White House officials.
COVID-19 boosters: Fauci says definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ could change
The definition of being fully vaccinated could change as boosters become more widely available to adults in the U.S. but that’s only if the data shows it is necessary, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci.
COVID-19 hot spots could get worse amid Thanksgiving gatherings
The U.S. is in better shape approaching its second Thanksgiving of the pandemic, thanks to the vaccine.
50-year-old North Carolina woman gives birth to 1st child
“When I say a really blessed pregnancy, it really was,” Susie Troxler, 50, said.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all US land border crossers
The rules pertain to non-U.S. nationals. American citizens and permanent residents may still enter the U.S. regardless of their vaccination status.