Health

Home COVID testing kits to be covered by health insurers starting Saturday

By Zeke Miller, Associated Press

The Biden administration announced the change Monday as it looks to lower costs and make testing for the virus more convenient amid rising frustrations.

Study offers reassurance on COVID shots, menstruation

By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press

Researchers tracked nearly 4,000 U.S. women through six menstrual cycles and found a small and temporary change: The next period after a shot started about a day later than usual. But there was no change in the number of days…

Voter concerns for inflation go up while COVID-19 worries come down, says AP-NORC poll

By Will Weissert, Hannah Fingerhut, Associated Press

The pandemic has receded as a top priority in many voters' minds to start 2022, with the economy and rising worries about inflation overshadowing coronavirus concerns.

Australian court rules for Djokovic but battle to stay in country not over

By Rod McGuirk, Mark Baker, Associated Press

Novak Djokovic has won a court battle to stay in Australia to contest the Australian Open after his exemption from strict coronavirus vaccination rules was questioned, but the drama might not be finished.

Thousands rally in Prague against vaccination mandate

By Associated Press

The previous government released an order in early December, making vaccination mandatory for the 60 and over age group, as well as medical personnel, police officers, firefighters and medical students.

Chicago mayor, teachers still at odds over COVID protocols

By Kathleen Foody, Associated Press

Negotiations resumed Saturday to resolve a standoff between Chicago school officials and the city's teachers union over COVID-19 precautions that canceled three days of classes, but the public war-of-words between union leaders and Chicago's mayor showed little sign of easing.

Omicron explosion spurs nationwide breakdown of services

By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Terry Tang, Associated Press

First responders, hospitals, schools and government agencies have employed an all-hands-on-deck approach to keep the public safe, but they are worried how much longer they can keep it up.

Vaccine mandate challenge reveals deep divides in the Supreme Court

By John Yang, Ian Couzens, Ebony Joseph

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday heard lengthy arguments challenging the Biden administration's vaccine and testing requirements in the workplace. The rules at stake are at the heart of the government's pandemic response and could have significant implications for roughly…

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Inventor Louis Braille touched lives with literacy

By Dr. Howard Markel

Braille first encountered an early predecessor to his tactile writing system in 1821, while he was still an adolescent.

What you need to know about the free at-home COVID tests promised by the Biden administration

By Darlene Superville, Zeke Miller, Associated Press

Despite the high public demand for tests, White House officials say it will still be several more weeks before these kits are available to be shipped.