New York indoor mask mandate for places without vaccine requirement

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an indoor mask mandate Friday for all public places that do not require proof of vaccination.

Scientists seek COVID-19 origin nearly 2 years into pandemic

Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the origin of the virus tormenting the world remains shrouded in mystery.

Gwinnett County offers $100 gifts card incentive for weekend COVID vaccine event

From Friday, Dec. 10 to Sunday Dec. 12, residents ages 5 and up who receive a vaccine or booster will receive a $100 Visa gift card while supplies last.

In US, more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Over 200 million people in the U.S. — or about 60% of the total population — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even as cases and hospitalizations climb.

Atlanta Public Schools hopes to lift mask mandate in February

The APS board decided in a vote Monday that they would consider lifting the mask mandate if the data and science would allow it.

WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines

The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.

Pfizer COVID booster: FDA expands extra dose to people as young as age 16

The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency authorization for 16- and 17-year-olds to get a third dose of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech -- if it's been six months since their last shot.

New Zealand plans to implement lifetime ban on cigarettes for youth

New Zealand plans to end tobacco smoking by implementing a lifetime ban for those aged 14 or younger. The minimum age to buy cigarettes would keep rising year after year.

Wisconsin requests federal help for staff-strapped hospitals

Wisconsin's top health official said Wednesday that 270 health care facilities have requested staffing help and the state has asked for medical reserve teams from the federal government to provide relief for long term care facilities facing worker shortages.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What if your child gets the wrong dose?

As efforts continue to vaccinate the nation’s younger population, some parents have reported their kids getting the wrong dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While parents should remain diligent, health experts say it’s no cause for concern.

Senate rejects Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses

The Senate has narrowly approved a resolution to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.

Pay special attention to veterans and their mental health during the holidays, doctor says

A U.S. veteran shared his struggle with mental health after losing both legs while serving in Afghanistan. His hope is that his story will help other veterans who might be struggling during the holidays.

Medicago's plant-based COVID-19 vaccine showing promising trial results, company says

Medicago announced Tuesday that its two-dose vaccine was 71% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection in a large, late-stage study that included several variants including the delta variant.

California unveils plans to be abortion sanctuary if Roe v. Wade overturned

California unveils plan to become an abortion "sanctuary" if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. The proposal would include paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people from other states who want to have an abortion.

LAUSD fires hundreds of unvaccinated employees

Nearly 500 Los Angeles Unified School District employees have been fired after they refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study

Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.