CDC waives quarantine for vaccinated people after COVID-19 exposure, experts still say wear a mask

According to the most recent guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have been fully vaccinated and exposed to COVID-19 don’t have to quarantine, but many medical experts still urge social distancing and mask-wearing.

California edges past New York with highest coronavirus death toll

California has edged past New York with the most death from the coronavirus. California’s death toll reached 45,496, surpassing New York’s toll of 45,312 on Thursday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Unemployment claims dip to 793,000; layoffs remain high

Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, lowering jobless claims to 793,000, evidence that job cuts remain high despite a substantial decline in new viral infections.

Spike in COVID-19 cases expected after Super Bowl celebrations, experts say

Super Bowl LV brought tens of thousands of people from all over the country to Tampa. However, the packed streets and dense crowds have health officials concerned about the spread of COVID-19.

Up to 50,000 COVID-19 cases can be traced back to Mardi Gras 2020, study finds

A new study shows the lack of COVID-19 safety regulations during last year’s Mardi Gras at the dawn of the pandemic likely caused it to be a superspreader event that spawned up to 50,000 cases.

N95 mask scam: Federal government says counterfeit masks sold to hospitals in at least 5 states

Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies.

California congresswoman announces $7K a person for COVID funeral expenses

Lawmakers said that FEMA is creating a hotline to help provide information to people seeking reimbursement. In the meantime, they recommend families begin gathering any documentation of funeral costs, such as billing records from the mortuary, cemetery or other services. 

Researchers concerned ‘escape mutation’ found in COVID-19 variants may help virus evade antibodies

The E484K mutation - nicknamed “Eeek” - was first discovered in the South African variant. But now researchers are growing more concerned after finding it in the Brazilian variant and, most recently, some cases of the U.K. variant as well.

House requests briefing from postmaster general about ‘alarmingly high’ COVID-19 infections among USPS workers

The House Oversight Committee has asked USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy to address the “alarmingly high numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths suffered by postal workers.”

World's second-oldest person survives coronavirus at age 116

A 116-year-old French nun who is believed to be the world’s second-oldest person has survived COVID-19 and is looking forward to celebrating her 117th birthday on Thursday.

CDC considers requiring negative COVID-19 test for domestic air travel

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Monday said there is an “active conversation with the CDC” going on regarding imposing requirement of a negative COVID-19 test for domestic airline flights, similar to what is now required for international flights.

Comcast to award $5 million dollars in grants to minority businesses

Comcast Corporation announced the Comcast RISE Investment Fund is providing $5 million dollars in grants to hundreds of minority owned small businesses in five cities nationwide, including $1 million dollars in Atlanta. 

Arizona parents thought son was battling COVID-19; turns out he was battling cancer

Mack Porter's parents first thought their youngest of four children was battling COVID-19, since they tested positive for the virus. Now, the 2-year-old is fighting the battle of his life against lung cancer.

DeKalb County receives $21M grant to prevent evictions during pandemic

DeKalb County has received a $21 million federal grant aimed at helping renters and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Antonio girl dies three days after testing positive for COVID-19

The family of nine-year-old Makenzie Gongora wants to shed light on how COVID-19 can impact children after she died just days after testing positive.

WHO team says coronavirus unlikely to have leaked from China lab

A World Health Organization expert says the coronavirus is unlikely to have leaked from a Chinese lab and most probably jumped to humans via an intermediary species.

Uber, Walgreens partner to offer free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments in underserved communities

Walgreens is teaming up with Uber to offer free rides to vaccine appointments, furthering Uber’s initiative to ensure transportation isn’t the reason somebody can’t get the vaccine.

Governor DeSantis responds to maskless Super Bowl photo

"Someone said, 'Hey, you were at the Super Bowl without a mask' ... but how the hell am I going to be able to drink a beer with a mask on? Come on. I had to watch the Bucs win," the Florida governor said.