Nov 29 CDC recommends COVID boosters for all adults as omicron variant spreads By Jamey Keaten, Raf Casert, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reacted to the potential threat by urging everyone 18 and older to get booster shots, because “strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness."… Continue reading
Nov 29 New omicron variant brings COVID-19 vaccine inequity 'home to roost' By Maria Cheng, Lori Hinnant, Associated Press The emergence of the new omicron variant and the world's desperate and likely futile attempts to keep it at bay are reminders of what scientists have warned for months: The coronavirus will thrive as long as vast parts of the… Continue reading
Nov 29 Nations rush to contain COVID omicron variant By Raf Cassert, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press Nations around the world sought to keep the new omicron variant at bay with travel bans and further restrictions, even as it remains unclear what it means for the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading
Nov 29 WATCH: As new variant spreads, Biden promotes shots and not restrictions By Zeke Miller, Associated Press President Joe Biden is urging Americans to get vaccinated, including booster shots, as he seeks to quell concerns over the newly identified COVID-19 variant named omicron. Continue reading
Nov 28 WHO criticizes travel bans on southern African countries By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press The World Health Organization on Sunday urged countries around the world not to impose flight bans on southern African nations due to concerns over the new omicron variant. WHO’s regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, called on countries to follow… Continue reading
Nov 28 Watch 7:39 'A no holds-barred Elder': How one man is helping to heal his Indigenous community By Donald Prince, Global Reporting Centre Donald Prince is a counselor and the former Executive Director of the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation. In this first-person story, he shares past experiences with violence, justice, and addiction. Being a father and writing poetry were crucial steps towards healing. Continue watching
Nov 28 Thousands protest coronavirus restrictions in Czech capital By Karel Janicek, Associated Press It was their third protest in the last two weeks. The participants didn’t wear face coverings or follow social distancing rules and drank beer despite a ban on drinking alcohol in public. Continue reading
Nov 28 EXPLAINER: What we know and don't know on new COVID variant By Maria Cheng, Associated Press It’s unclear where the new variant first emerged, but scientists in South Africa alerted the World Health Organization in recent days, and it has now been seen in travelers arriving in several countries, from Australia to Israel to the Netherlands. Continue reading
Nov 27 Watch 7:52 COVID-19 vaccines and children: What you need to know By PBS NewsHour Millions of children over five across America have been vaccinated against the coronavirus – advancing the fight against the pandemic. Still, parents have concerns about potential side effects and possible booster shots. Dr. Sallie Permar, pediatrician-in-chief at New York Presbyterian… Continue watching
Nov 27 South African scientists brace for wave propelled by omicron By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press In the space of two weeks, the omicron variant has sent South Africa from a period of low transmission to rapid growth of new confirmed cases. The country’s numbers are still relatively low, with 2,828 new confirmed cases recorded Friday,… Continue reading