First U.S. case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in California

The first U.S. case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in California, the White House announced Wednesday.

Arizona reports over 3,100 COVID cases; hospitals crowded

With many patients also hospitalized for reasons other than COVID-19, only 6% of inpatient beds statewide were available and not in use. That percentage is a pandemic low first reached in mid-November.

Omicron variant: Airlines must ID passengers who traveled through southern Africa, CDC says

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered all airlines to turn over the names of passengers who have traveled to southern African countries now under travel restrictions.

Gilead says it expects remdesivir to remain effective against omicron variant

Gilead Sciences, the maker of Veklury, said it expects the antiviral drug to remain effective against the new omicron variant and will conduct further testing.

Pentagon chief says National Guard members who refuse vaccine cannot train to maintain status

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has decided that National Guard members who refuse COVID-19 vaccination will be barred from federally funded drills and training required to maintain their Guard status, saying, "Vaccination is essential to the health and readiness of the force."

Lakers' LeBron James enters COVID-19 protocols, scratched from lineup

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James is out for Tuesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings due to NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Powell says Federal Reserve may accelerate pullback in economic support

Chair Jerome Powell said that the Federal Reserve will consider acting more quickly to dial back its ultra-low-interest rate policies to counter higher inflation.

US improves surveillance for tracking new coronavirus variants

Viruses mutate constantly. To find and track new versions of the coronavirus, scientists analyze the genetic makeup of a portion of samples that test positive.

COVID-19 vaccine makers exploring if omicron versions of shots are needed

Officials from Moderna and Pfizer are assessing their responses to the new COVID-19 variant omicron and say it will take months to develop a tweaked shot if needed.

Lockdown-free Florida top vacation spot for holiday season

Cooped-up tourists eager for a taste of Florida’s sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and warmer climates are visiting the Sunshine State in droves, topping pre-pandemic levels in recent months.

Navajo Nation reports 27 more COVID-19 cases, but no deaths

The latest daily virus figures brought the tribe’s totals to 39,403 cases and 1,542 known deaths since the pandemic began.

Illinois family credits Ivermectin with saving life of father hospitalized with COVID-19

An Illinois family whose loved one was "desperately ill" and hospitalized earlier this month with COVID-19 says he's now home and doing well after a judge had to order a Naperville hospital to treat him with Ivermectin.

UArizona researchers say 'it is not time to panic yet' over omicron variant

UArizona gave its final COVID-19 update of the year just as the new omicron variant is growing around the world. Researchers say this isn't a time to panic.

Omicron variant: CDC expands COVID-19 booster recommendation to all adults 18 and older

"Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.