AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine rollout halted in South Africa after shot appears less effective against variant

South Africa is considering giving a COVID-19 vaccine that is still in the testing phase to health workers, after suspending the rollout of another shot that preliminary data indicated may be only minimally effective against the mutated form of the virus dominating the country.

North Texas Congressman Ron Wright dies after contracting COVID-19

U.S. Rep. Ron Wright died Sunday at the age of 67. He had been battling lung cancer and two weeks ago was hospitalized because of COVID-19.

Don't post your COVID-19 vaccination card on social media

It’s been a bit challenging for many to get the COVID-19 vaccination. So when you do it, it’s kind of a big deal, and people like to post about it. 

More contagious UK coronavirus variant spreading rapidly in US, study finds

Researchers estimated the transmission rate of the UK variant in the U.S. has been 35 - 45% higher than that of other strains - and that it’s doubled in frequency about every week and a half.

AstraZeneca tweaking COVID-19 vaccine to fight South African variant

The lead researcher of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine says she expects to have a modified jab to cope with the South Africa coronavirus variant by the autumn.

Calls grow for US to rely on rapid tests to fight pandemic

When a Halloween party sparked a COVID-19 outbreak at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, school officials conducted rapid screening on more than 1,000 students in a week, including many who didn’t have symptoms.

111-year-old SC woman says secret to long life is wine, beer and getting the COVID-19 vaccine

A 111-year-old South Carolina woman who also lived through the 1918 pandemic credits her long life to drinking a glass of wine with lunch, drinking beer with dinner, and now, getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Airline pilot shares story of 2-month battle with COVID-19

Chris Sickel is going home after a two-month battle with COVID-19. He is a 49-year-old Southwest Airlines pilot and has no underlying condition. His family shared his story with FOX 5 because Chris was healthy and yet suffered devastating effects.

SW Atlanta families receive thousands of pounds of free food, protective gear

They're getting ready for a big day of service on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard with a drive-through giveaway of 30,000 pounds of food and 10,000 masks, hand sanitizer bottles, and other personal protective gear. Rev. Willie Clyde of Pathway Christian Church said the donations will make a huge difference for families in southwest Atlanta.

Sen. Ossoff talks priorities 2 weeks after swearing-in

Newly-elected U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, took the oath of office a little more than two weeks ago and said much of his focus has been on the timely passage of a new COVID-19 relief package.

Congressional report finds toxic heavy metals in some baby food

Led by Democratic Chairman Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the committee’s investigation found that top baby foods carried dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.

Canada blocks cruise ships until 2022, affecting Alaska tourism, too

The Canadian government has extended a ban on cruise ships through February 2022, which is expected to block trips from visiting Alaska this year. 

US won't make immigration arrests at COVID-19 vaccination sites

The U.S. government says it won't be making routine immigration enforcement arrests at COVID-19 vaccination sites.