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.

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.

EPA head tours ‘Cancer Alley,’ other embattled communities, pledges action

EPA Administrator Michael Regan recently completed a tour from Mississippi to Texas, highlighting low-income, mostly minority communities affected by industrial pollution.

Arizona abortions could end with Supreme Court decision

An Arizona law that predates the Roe v. Wade decision and targets providers could be enforced if the high court overturns Roe.

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.

Oklahoma files lawsuit over National Guard COVID-19 vaccine mandate

“Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate ensures that many Oklahoma National Guard members will simply quit instead of getting a vaccine, a situation that will irreparably harm Oklahomans’ safety and security,” said Attorney General John O’Connor.

NFL suspends Bucs' Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards for violating COVID-19 protocols

The NFL has suspended Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols after finding they misrepresented their vaccination status.