CDC COVID-19 map shows most of US under high community transmission

The majority of the U.S. was under a high level of COVID-19 community transmission according to the latest map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden extends 100% federal reimbursement of states’ COVID-19 costs

President Joe Biden has ordered FEMA to continue to cover 100% of states’ costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic through the end of the year.

Disability rights group files federal lawsuit challenging Gov. Abbott’s mask mandate ban

Disability Rights Texas claims in a lawsuit that Gov. Greg Abbott's ban on mask mandates prevents students with disabilities from safely returning to school and is a violation of students federal rights.

Japan weighs legal penalties as country expands COVID-19 state of emergency

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has officially expanded and extended the nation’s coronavirus state of emergency as government advisers recommend legal changes that would allow penalties for violations.

20 bus drivers quit during first week of school in one Florida county

Many of Florida’s largest school districts are finding it difficult because of the pandemic to hire enough bus drivers, with some using managers and other stop-gap measures to get students to class as the new school year begins.

TSA to extend mask mandate for travelers through January 2022

The Transportation Security Administration will extend a mask mandate on public transportation through Jan. 18, 2022, according to a TSA spokesperson.

Dragon Con to require proof of vaccination or negative test to attend

The organizers of Dragon Con, the Southeast’s largest multi-media and pop culture convention, announced this week it will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before being allowed to enter the convention.

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots likely to be recommended at 8 months

The U.S. is expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans eight months after they received their second dose, AP sources say.

Texas requests five mortuary trailers as COVID continues to surge

The trailers would come from FEMA and be stationed in San Antonio, where they would then move to various Texas locations if local leaders request them

New Zealand to enter lockdown after single COVID-19 case found

New Zealand's government is taking drastic action by putting the entire nation into a strict lockdown after finding a single case of COVID-19. The city where the infected man lives and another city he had visited will go into full lockdown for 7 days, while the rest of the country will shut down for three days.

California pastor hands out COVID-19 vaccine exemption letters

A church in California is handing out exemption letters for people who do not want to take the coronavirus vaccine.

5,600 Hillsborough students quarantined due to COVID-19; emergency school board meeting this Wednesday

The Hillsborough County School Board says 5,599 students and 316 employees are being quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19 after just the first week of classes. Officials are calling an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss next steps, including a possible mask mandate for all students and staff.

27-year-old Fort Lauderdale police officer dies of COVID-19

27-year-old Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Jennifer Sepot died on Saturday due to complications from COVID-19. She leaves behind her husband, who is also a police officer, and their 2-year-old daughter.

Philadelphia announces new indoor, outdoor mask mandates: What you need to know

Philadelphia has announced a series of new coronavirus restrictions, including mask mandates in some indoor and outdoor settings. City officials will also soon be required to get vaccinated or double mask while at work.