Health

U.S. faces double coronavirus surge as omicron variant spreads

By Laura Ungar, Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press

Omicron, even if it proves milder on the whole, may disarm some of the life-saving tools available and put immune-compromised and elderly people at particular risk as it begins a rapid assault on the United States.

WATCH: The National Cathedral tolls bell marking 800,000 American COVID-19 deaths

By News Desk

The funeral bell at the Washington National Cathedral will toll 800 times on Wednesday to mark the 800,000 Americans who have died so far from COVID-19.

WATCH: White House COVID task force holds news briefing

By Associated Press

U.S. health care spending rocketed to $4.1 trillion last year as Congress opened the spigot of federal dollars to battle the coronavirus pandemic across multiple fronts.

Omicron expected be dominant variant in EU by mid-January

By Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is well prepared to fight omicron with 66.6 percent of its population fully vaccinated.

WATCH: Members of Congress hold moment of silence for COVID victims

By Associated Press

The milestone represents a solemn end to a year that held so much promise with the arrival of vaccines but is ending in heartbreak for the many grieving families trying to navigate the holiday season.

Cities, towns decimated by opioids are close to receiving $28 billion settlement

By Andrew Selsky, Associated Press

In the U.S., more than 500,000 deaths over the last two decades have been linked to opioids, both prescription drugs and illegal ones.

Data analysis shows omicron variant less severe, better at evading vaccines

By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press

While the findings released Tuesday are preliminary and have not been peer-reviewed — the gold standard in scientific research — they line up with other early data about omicron's behavior, including that it seems to be more easily transmitted.

Pfizer confirms COVID pill's results, effectiveness against omicron

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

The company also confirmed Tuesday that the pill delivered on promising early results in reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

Nurse who got first authorized U.S. COVID vaccine: 'We cannot continue to live like this'

By Laura Santhanam

Looking at how life has changed since multiple COVID-19 vaccines became available over the last year, Northwell Health nurse Sandra Lindsay told the PBS NewsHour, “It's a stark contrast to where we were a year ago.”…

California brings back mask mandate during holiday season as virus cases rise

By Adam Beam, Associated Press

California is bringing back a statewide indoor mask mandate. Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration announced the new mandate will start Wednesday and last until Jan. 15.