1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention
The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.
Oklahoma files lawsuit over National Guard COVID-19 vaccine mandate
“Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate ensures that many Oklahoma National Guard members will simply quit instead of getting a vaccine, a situation that will irreparably harm Oklahomans’ safety and security,” said Attorney General John O’Connor.
NFL suspends Bucs' Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards for violating COVID-19 protocols
The NFL has suspended Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols after finding they misrepresented their vaccination status.
Debt collectors can now use email, text, social media to seek repayment
The rules, which took effect on Tuesday, address the use of newer communication technologies in debt collection.
Germany bans unvaccinated from nonessential stores, recreational venues
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.
Nearly 1,000 Facebook, Instagram accounts deactivated over COVID-19 misinformation
In total, Meta deleted 979 accounts, groups and pages across its platforms last month, most of which were found to belong to a sprawling network from China trying to spread COVID-19 misinformation.
Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60
Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.
US unemployment claims rise by 28,000, but still low at 222,000
U.S. unemployment claims climbed by 28,000 last week to 222,000, even though the U.S. job market has been rebounding from the coronavirus recession.
1st omicron case in US found in San Francisco
A person in California became the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the White House announced Wednesday as scientists continue to study the risks posed by the new strain of the virus.
WHO urges elderly to postpone travel plans amid rise of omicron variant
The World Health Organization on Tuesday advised elderly and immunocompromised individuals to postpone travel plans amid the emergence of the omicron coronavirus variant.
Trump tested positive for COVID-19 days before debate with Biden, Mark Meadows says in book
A book by Donald Trump's ex-chief of staff says Trump tested positive for COVID-19 three days before his first debate in September 2020 with Joe Biden and days earlier than that diagnosis was previously disclosed.
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.
First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California
The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.
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.
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.
Lakers' LeBron James enters COVID-19 protocols, scratched from lineup
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is out for Tuesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings due to NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
CDC steps up search for omicron variant at Atlanta airport
U.S. health officials say they are actively searching for the omicron variant, as scientists work to understand whether the variant poses a new pandemic threat.
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.
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.