State Department issues 'do not travel' warnings to 8 countries amid omicron variant concerns

South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana were all put under a level 4 “do not travel” advisory by the U.S. State Department on Saturday.

Omicron variant emerges in more countries as world on high alert

In the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, said he would not be surprised if the omicron variant was already in the United States, too.

Arizona reports 3,655 additional COVID cases, 47 more deaths

Arizona’s seven-day rolling average of daily new cases rose over the past two weeks, increasing from 3,494.7 on Nov. 11 to 3,681.86 on Thursday.

Florida reports lowest daily coronavirus cases per capita in nation

Florida is reporting the lowest amount of coronavirus cases per capita in the nation after Gov. Ron DeSantis was widely criticized by media outlets for his handling of the virus. 

Arizona’s anti-mask school voucher plan faces tough start

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also faces major pushback from the federal government for what officials say is an inappropriate use of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

As new COVID-19 variant sparks global fear, Arizona health expert weighs in

As the omicron variant of COVID-19 sparks global fears, an Arizona public health expert is weighing in on the steps being taken so far to try and stop the variant's spread.

'It's Coming' - Gov. Hochul declares State of Emergency in NY amid omicron fears

"We continue to see warning signs of spikes this upcoming winter and while the new Omicron variant has yet to be detected in New York State, it's coming," Hochul said.

Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all

“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.

Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain

The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.

US, Canada, EU, Japan restrict South Africa travel over Omicron variant

Advisers to the World Health Organization held a special session Friday to flesh out information about the worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.

Moderna testing 3 COVID-19 booster vaccines on omicron variant, Pfizer ready to adapt

Pfizer said if any coronavirus variant ever evades the protection offered by its COVID-19 vaccine, it expects to be able to produce a “tailor-made” adapted version of its vaccine to fight that variant in approximately 100 days, pending approval from federal regulators.

Will travel bans stop 'highly transmissible' omicron variant?

A coronavirus variant recently identified in South Africa is leading to a new round of travel restrictions just as many had finally begun to ease.

New COVID-19 variant is ‘huge international concern,’ UK health secretary says

The U.K.’s health secretary told Parliament Friday that the new COVID-19 variant was “of huge international concern” and that it was “highly likely” that it has spread to countries beyond where it has been detected.

Omicron variant: What to know about the new COVID-19 strain

South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.

Omicron variant: WHO says new COVID-19 strain shows increased reinfection risk

The World Health Organization called a special session to flesh out information about a worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.

1st MIS-C child death reported in Virginia; health condition is associated with COVID-19

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed a death from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) – a health condition that is associated with COVID-19.

South African health minister calls travel restrictions 'knee-jerk reaction' to variant

Dr. Joe Phaahla, the Health Minister of South Africa took issue with countries who've enacted travel bans on South Africa after they identified a new COVID-19 variant.