Happy New Year! NYC ushers in 2022 with Times Square ball drop

A scaled-back crowd will embrace the new year — and bid good riddance to another pandemic-marred 12 months — at the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.

Arizona reports 7,720 more coronavirus cases, most in a year

The 7,720 additional cases and 17 deaths reported by the state Department of Health Services’ coronavirus dashboard increased Arizona’s pandemic totals to 1,381,488 cases and 24,229 deaths.

New Year's Eve: Omicron mutes celebrations as many hope for better 2022

New Year's Eve celebrations were muted or canceled in many places around the world for the second straight year due to a surge of COVID-19 infections.

California prisons fight virus outbreaks amid staff concerns

The twice-weekly testing requirement applies to about 10,000 unvaccinated corrections employees, nearly a third of whom weren’t complying from mid-October through mid-November, according to the most recent data provided by corrections officials. Yet the state’s figures show fewer than 20 employees were disciplined during the same time frame.

Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant?

Government scientists have been checking to make sure rapid tests still work as each new variant comes along. This week, the FDA said preliminary research indicates they detect omicron, but may have reduced sensitivity.

Israel to offer 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine to most vulnerable

Israel approved a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to the virus, the first country to do so.

New Year's Eve fireworks, 'Pinecone Drop' canceled in Flagstaff
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The Weatherford Hotel announced they were canceling their "Pinecone Drop" for the second straight year because of surging coronavirus cases. The city of Flagstaff then canceled its fireworks.

JetBlue cuts 1,280 flights through mid-January amid omicron challenges

JetBlue is proactively cutting about 1,280 flights beginning Thursday through mid-January 2022 in anticipation of more COVID-19 cases among its crew.

COVID-19 leaves US children hospitalized in near-record numbers

During the week of Dec. 21-27, an average of 334 children with the coronavirus were admitted per day to hospitals, a 58% increase from the week before.

COVID, cold or flu? Pay attention to timing, symptoms, doctor says

With the rapid spread of the seemingly milder omicron variant, many have asked how to tell the difference between the virus and the common cold. One Tampa doctor explains how you can determine which illness you're dealing with.

University of Miami to start next semester remotely amid COVID surge

The University of Miami will start the spring semester with remote-only classes amid surging cases of COVID-19 in South Florida, school officials said.

San Francisco to require boosters for law enforcement, workers in high-risk settings

The health order now includes booster requirements for people who work in higher-risk settings, including adult care facilities, adult day programs, dental offices, home health care workers and pharmacists, as well as workers who visit such settings, like police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and lawyers whose clients are in jails.