omicron variant
ROME (AP) — To mask or not to mask is a question Italy settled early in the COVID-19 outbreak with a vigorous “yes." Now the onetime epicenter of the pandemic in Europe hopes even stricter mask rules will help it... Read More
SAN ANTONIO — COVID-19 infection rates continue to complicate the school year as some districts have either delayed their start dates or shifted to virtual learning in response to the growing spike in cases. As many schools nationwide have either... Read More
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden assured a bipartisan meeting of governors Monday that when it comes to responding to outbreaks of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, the federal government will do everything it can to support state and local... Read More
BRUSSELS (AP) — After struggling with the coronavirus for far too long, the world understands all too well Belgium's word of the year, “knaldrang!” — the urge to party, the need to let loose. Yet as New Year celebrations approach,... Read More
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is lifting travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month over concerns about the omicron variant. “On Dec. 31, @POTUS will lift the temporary travel restrictions on Southern Africa countries. This decision was... Read More
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases in recent days may signal that the country's dramatic omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say. Daily virus case counts are notoriously unreliable, as they can be... Read More
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday will unveil an aggressive plan to address the stunning surge in highly infectious new omicron variant cases, including getting up to 1,000 military medical professionals to help in overwhelmed hospitals and making 500... Read More
Moderna said Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine should offer protection against the rapidly spreading omicron variant. Moderna said lab tests showed the half-dose booster shot increased by 37 times the level of so-called neutralizing antibodies able... Read More
Pfizer said Wednesday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the new omicron variant even though the initial two doses appear significantly less effective. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said that while two doses may not... Read More
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is set to roll out a comprehensive plan Monday to step up the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic over the winter months. The moves, which will be announced during a visit to the National... Read More
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said he will unveil plans this week on how his administration will work to slow the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, known as omicron, which emerged in South Africa and has been classified by... Read More
GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Trade Organization has postponed its first ministerial meeting in four years, citing concerns over the new coronavirus variant. The move will effectively delay a vote on a waiver sought by several developing countries on the... Read More