NYC announces new vaccine mandate for all private sector employers

Beginning Dec. 27, all private-sector employers in New York City must require that their employees be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus, announced Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Americans not accessing federal COVID-related funeral reimbursements

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died of COVID-19. It’s been an economic hardship for families. The government has funeral assistance dollars, but not enough people are applying. 

NYC vaccine mandate includes children as young as 5

Children as young as 5 years old will be required to get vaccines in New York City to enter restaurants and other indoor venues.

COVID-19 outbreak on cruise ship approaching New Orleans

Ten people aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship approaching New Orleans have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Saturday night.

Omicron variant popping up in more states as hospitals keep up with COVID-19 spike

The arrival of omicron comes as hospitals statewide continue to strain under a surge in coronavirus cases, most traced to the delta variant, along with staffing shortages.

Gov. Kay Ivey warns Biden, OSHA vaccine mandate could create 'economic damage' in Alabama

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has penned a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, warning that President Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for companies with more than 100 employees will have a negative impact on the Yellowhammer State's economy.

Long-term COVID-19 smell, taste loss could impact millions, researchers say

As COVID-19 continues to spread, researchers say a significant number of people worldwide may face a long-term or even permanent loss of smell and taste as more become infected.

FDA expands emergency use of 2 COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments to infants

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab which copy the human immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as the novel coronavirus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Biden administration extends mask mandate for public transit through March

The Biden administration is extending a federal mask mandate for public transportation into mid-March, the White House announced on Thursday.

1 in 100 in Germany infected with COVID-19, health minister says

More than 1% of the German population is currently infected with the coronavirus, according to the country's health minister

November jobs report: US employers added a sluggish 210,000 jobs

U.S. employers slowed the pace of their hiring in November, adding 210,000 jobs, as the economy contends with inflation and shortages.

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.

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.