White House updates response plan for infectious COVID variants; pushes boosters

“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among US children continues to rise, study suggests

The study estimated that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. kids was 3.14% as of 2020. Meanwhile, there has been more awareness and a wider availability of services.

Evictions in Arizona’s largest county at pre-pandemic levels

Evictions in the greater Phoenix area have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, applications for rental assistance are still being accepted.

EU urges second COVID-19 boosters for people ages 60 to 79

The European Union said Monday it's “critical” that authorities in the 27-nation bloc consider giving second coronavirus booster shots as a new wave of the pandemic sweeps over the continent.

Floating abortion clinic proposed in Gulf of Mexico to bypass bans in southern states

A California doctor is proposing a "floating abortion clinic" aboard a ship in the Gulf of Mexico's federal waters as a way to maintain access for people in southern states where abortion bans have been enacted.

NYC COVID: Health department urges use of masks in public places and in crowds outdoors

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is recommending all New Yorkers wear masks in certain settings, again, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 could be ‘worst’ so far, doctors say

Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible, and early evidence shows both are capable of evading immune responses from previous infection as well as current COVID-19 vaccines.

Gates Foundation, women's tennis partnering on health issues

All sorts of requests reach the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, via all sorts of methods, but rarely does a meaningful entreaty come via LinkedIn message. That, though, is how Micky Lawler, the president of the WTA women’s professional tennis tour, first reached out to the group about a partnership during a sleepless pandemic night.

Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback

The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.

Beijing mandates COVID vaccines to enter some public spaces

The Chinese capital has issued a mandate requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter some public spaces including gyms, museums and libraries, drawing concern from city residents.

New vaccine could protect against COVID-19 variants before they emerge

The vaccine works by using spike proteins from SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — and seven other related animal viruses with the potential to cause a pandemic in humans.

How abortion clinics in sanctuary states are handling a surge in out-of-state care

Juliana Serrano, Planned Parenthood vice president of advocacy and equity in Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, says her organization and sister affiliates have been planning for this since Roe v. Wade was first made law of the land nearly 50 years ago.

COVID-19 endemic stage could be two years away

The coronavirus pandemic could last for nearly two more years before becoming an endemic according to new Yale research.

Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says

The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.

CDC expanding monkeypox testing with commercial laboratories

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced LabCorp will begin utilizing its largest clinical laboratory to increase nationwide testing capacity on monkeypox. 

Mexican president to end daylight saving time, keep 'God's clock'

Mexico’s president submitted a bill Tuesday to end daylight saving time, putting an end to the practice of changing clocks twice a year.