Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Nebraska, Utah
Much remains unknown about the omicron variant, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain.
First 3 cases of Omicron variant identified in Maryland, Gov. Hogan confirms
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Friday that state health officials have confirmed the first three cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the state.
Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future
The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.
Long-term COVID-19 smell, taste loss could impact millions, researchers say
As COVID-19 continues to spread, researchers say a significant number of people worldwide may face a long-term or even permanent loss of smell and taste as more become infected.
Israel health officials confirm 7 omicron COVID-19 cases, 27 others suspected
Israel's Health Ministry says it has confirmed seven cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, stoking fears of a pending surge in infections.
FDA expands emergency use of 2 COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments to infants
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab which copy the human immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as the novel coronavirus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Biden administration extends mask mandate for public transit through March
The Biden administration is extending a federal mask mandate for public transportation into mid-March, the White House announced on Thursday.
Philadelphia reports first case of COVID-19 omicron variant
A Northwest Philadelphia man in his 30s has tested positive for the COVID-19 omicron variant, according to the health department.
'Long' COVID causes bad smells and tastes, depression for some survivors: 'Hot water smells like rotting meat'
Some people can lose their sense of smell indefinitely
1 in 100 in Germany infected with COVID-19, health minister says
More than 1% of the German population is currently infected with the coronavirus, according to the country's health minister
Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in an unvaccinated person who returned from Nigeria.
Arizona reports 5,236 more COVID cases; hospitalizations up
As of Monday, 2,714 virus patients occupied inpatient rooms in hospitals across Arizona, the most since last February during last winter’s surge.
Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant
A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.
Rapid COVID testing site opens at LAX for international travelers
One day after confirming the county's first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, a rapid-testing site will open at Los Angeles International Airport Friday that will offer free -- but voluntary -- COVID tests for arriving international passengers.
Omicron: WHO says measures used against delta should work for new variant
The WHO says measures like higher vaccination rates, social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks should remain the foundation for fighting the pandemic.
5 cases of omicron variant detected in New York
At least five people in New York have been infected with the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Four of the cases are in New York City and one is in Suffolk County.
1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention
The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.
Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal
The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.
Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Hawaii
The omicron variant has been detected in at least 23 countries and at least three other states.
Pfizer asks FDA to expand emergency use of COVID-19 booster to include 16, 17-year-olds
The request comes as the world rushes to learn more about the new and highly transmissible omicron variant first discovered by South Africa.